Frankie Connolly netted his second of the season but Dale came up against a strong Bolton side who ran out 8-1 winners.
Dale came into the match with a chance of progression, with a draw at home to Carlisle United in September.
However, Wanderers made sure of their route through with three wins from three. Oldham Athletic and Carlisle United face off in the last group game to see who else makes it to the knockouts.
Dale XI | Gee, Horrocks, Brown, Platt, Pither, Caldwell, Cunliffe, Fanning, F.Connolly, Leonard, Bradley.
Substitutes | Taylor, Nowacki, Rodger, McCormack, Gumbley.
