As Keith Hill and his side aim to repeat the feat against Nottingham Forest this weekend, Rochdale chairman Chris Dunphy has been reflecting on what he called 'one of the most successful years in our recent history.'
That 2-0 victory against Championship opposition came while 'Dale were still a League Two side but Hill, in his second spell as boss, guided them to promotion and then to a very solid start to life at a higher level.
Midfielder Matt Done and striker Ian Henderson, with 10 goals apiece in the league, have provided 'Dale's main goal threat this season with Done also netting a hat-trick in the FA Cup replay against Aldershot which earned his side a crack at the Reds.