Dale’s three-match winning run came to an end on Saturday, as second placed Bromley ran out 1-0 winners.
Jimmy McNulty’s men controlled the first-half and created a number of chances in the second, but Olufela Olomola’s goal ten minutes from time sealed the three points for the hosts.
There was one change from last weekend’s win at Dagenham & Redbridge, as Devante Rodney replaced Cian Hayes, who was recalled by Fleetwood Town during the week. It was the striker’s first start since the opening day of the season, having been out through illness.
On a bitterly cold afternoon in south London, Dale largely controlled the opening 45 minutes, although that didn’t quite relate into shots at goal for Jimmy McNulty’s men.
Ryan East saw a shot from the edge of the area well blocked and Rodney had an effort held low, but Dale were often a final ball away from creating a chance to open the scoring.
At other end, captain Ethan Ebanks-Landell put in a number of excellent interceptions to keep the hosts at bay, whilst Louie Moulden’s only save came from Deji Elerewe’s header which he held well.
The game opened up slightly after the break, with McNulty’s men coming close on a number of occasions.
Ian Henderson was inches away from turning home a pull back from Rodney, but strong defending denied him, before Jesurun Uchegbulam’s effort from a tight angle was turned behind by Bromley goalkeeper Grant Smith.
He then denied Rodney, who smashed an effort on target but saw it saved by the face of the goalkeeper, after Uchegbulam had skipped past his man and found the Dale striker.
East flashed an effort wide moments later, before a dangerous Uchegbulam cross almost fell for both Henderson and Rodney, but they couldn’t get a shot away.
Moulden held a Jude Arthurs free-kick well, but there was nothing he could do to prevent Olomola’s rifled effort into the top corner with ten minutes remaining.
The Dale stopper pulled off a fine save to keep it at 1-0 just a minute later, denying Michael Cheek’s one-on-one close-range effort.
Tyrese Sinclair, who had come on as a substitute for his return from injury, almost got in during added time but couldn’t get a shot on target, and his penalty appeals were waved away by the referee.
It would be the last opportunity for Dale, as second placed Bromley ended the winning run.
Dale XI | Moulden, Keohane, Ebanks-Landell, Nevett, John (90+2’ Afuye), Clayton, Gilmour, East, Uchegbulam, Henderson, Rodney (74’ Sinclair).
Subs | B Kelly, Taylor, Oduroh.