Despite creating a whole host of chances in the first half, Dale fell behind when Fahuz Amusat curled a low effort into the far corner.
An equaliser swiftly followed, though, with Fabian Nowacki’s cross being turned into his own net by Archie Oldham.
Three clear-cut chances were squandered by Dale, with Amusat putting Salford back ahead after the break.
Their lead was then extended when Noah Hill steered home, but Dale sub Kelvin Obianyi cut the deficit soon after.
However, Salford’s two-goal cushion was restored via Joshua James. But Dale weren’t going away, and Jake Martyn netted a stunning third, finding the bottom corner from 25-yards out.
Dale put late pressure on in search of what would have been a dramatic equaliser, but the visitors held on to take all three points.
Professional Development Phase Lead Coach Mike Sheron commented:
“It was a competitive game where we never gave in and should have earned at least a draw.
“We missed too many chances in the first half and were punished for that in the end. Our defending was disappointing in the second half as we failed to deal with direct deliveries into our box.
“The squad was tested after having to make three substitutions at half-time, but I was pleased with the lads’ character.”
Dale are without a game this weekend. They take on Grimsby Town next, on Saturday 5th September.
Dale XI | Braithwaite, Horrocks, Farrell, Martyn ©, Bradley, Pither, Nowacki, Leonard, Firki, Hardwidge, Cunliffe.
Subs | Gee, Obianyi, McCormack, Ouedraogo, Brown.
