Dale's Central League Cup run came to an end after a 5-1 defeat against a strong Wigan side in the semi-final of the competition.
Rochdale fielded a youthful team as they faced a strong Wigan side in the Central League Cup semi-final.
It was the hosts who dominated the opening minutes scoring two early goals, and creating opportunities.
Wigan extended the lead after half an hour, which appeared to have put the game to bed.
However, Dale responded three minutes later.
Some excellent play on the right from Dale opened up the chance to fire the ball into the box, where Darren Ehimamiegho was waiting at the back post to finish the ball into the net.
An unfortunate deflection from a free kick saw Wigan restore their three-goal lead and head into the break 4-1 to the good.
Into the second half and Wigan were able to find the net for a fifth time after 51 minutes.
As the clock ticked away, neither side were able to create anymore clear cut chances, with Wigan dominating possession.
The game petered out until the full time whistle blew, with the score line at 5-1.
In what was a tough game, Dale’s Central League Cup run was over.
The lads put up a fighting performance against a strong Wigan side, which included some first-team players.
Dale XI: Craven, Cunningham, Sutton, Dos Santos, Watts, Nevett, Jesus, Ayub, Ehimamiegho, Dunlop, Greenwell.
Subs: Mann, MacLorg, Mane, Bispo Martinez, Akpan.