The Youth Team advanced to the final of the Lancashire FA Professional Youth Cup final with a 3-1 win over Wigan Athletic.
Peter Thomas, plus two from Darren Ehimamiegho, saw Dale come from behind to seal a superb victory.
Latics had taken the lead in the 35th minute, when Joe Adams was on hand to turn home from close range, after Ellis Craven had made a superb save to deny an initial header from a corner.
The deficit lasted just two minutes though, as Thomas showed great anticipation to capitalise on a defensive error and turn home an equaliser.
Ehimamiegho was introduced at the break for Dale and he made an instant impact, scoring inside three minutes.
Paul Kyffin intercepted a loose pass and found Ehimamiegho in the area, who struck the post with his initial effort, but turned home the rebound.
Dale had a number of chances, including seeing a penalty saved, before the lead was doubled in the 69th minute.
Jordan Scanlon threaded a ball through to Ehimamiegho, who coolly slotted home for his second of the game.
The visitors looked for a route back into the game but were denied by a resilient Dale, who will face either Blackpool or Burnley in the final (date tbc).
Dale | Craven, Jesus, Sutton, Mialkowski, Laurence, Watts, Mandey, Brierley, Thomas (Ehimamiegho 45), Scanlon (Capt), Kyffin (Greenwell 84).
Subs | Cunningham, Caldwell, Greenwell, Lawless.