Despite taking an early lead in the game through Sophie Coates, Salford drew level before half-time and went on to score another three to condemn Dale to a first defeat.
The opening 20 minutes were evenly matched but Dale did pose more of a goal threat with two early chances which Grace Pomfret in the Salford goal was equal to.
Dale snatched the lead around the half-hour mark with centre-half Malpus sending a well-weighted ball over the top for Coates to delicately loft over the goalkeeper for her ninth goal in four games.
The Ammies managed to draw level before the interval however, with a corner finding the head of Charlie Ferguson who directed past Abigail Nolan.
Dale regrouped and were eager to regain the lead. Pomfret was having a fantastic game as three further saves were produced to prevent a second goal.
That spurred Salford on as they were the team to get that elusive third of the match. They forced Dale into an error which Evie Brookes finished off with an hour gone.
Seven minutes later, it was three. More pressing from the home side paid dividends as they won the ball back high and Elizabeth Jervis pounced on the loose ball and fired one past Nolan.
Despite Dale’s chances in the game, it’d be the side in red who sealed the three points with a fourth. A free-kick was floated into the area, which Ferguson met for her brace.
Gaffer Lee Atkinson knows the areas to improve for future games and what he can take from the defeat.
“It’s a difficult result to take as I felt we got most things right.
“We looked good throughout the game and at half-time we were happy with our performance.
“Their goalkeeper made huge saves to keep them in the game but we got punished at the other end.
“We will regroup now and prepare for a massive game at the Crown Oil Arena this Sunday.”
Dale XI | Nolan, Southworth, Malpus, Hayden, E.Jones, O.Jones, Valente, Whyte, Barnett, Mason, Coates.
Subs | Lister, Smith.
