ORIENT trail at Spotland through an own-goal by Terrell Forbes.
The defender netted at the wrong end from Brian Barry-Murphy’s corner on 34 minutes.
His mis-directed header beat keeper Jamie Jones at the near post.
The hosts dominated proceedings during the first half and Orient can think themselves fortunate to be only one goal down at the break.
They struggled to clear their lines at times in a display of poor defending.
Chris O’Grady fired off a shot for Dale during one such scramble on 38 minutes which Jones saved low.
Former loan star Nicky Adams looked dangerous for Dale on the wing, before he was forced off injured on the stroke of half-time.
Orient only rarely threatened Dale keeper Lillis. Matt Spring blazed over with a early strike.
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