Peter Vincenti’s early penalty was enough to secure Dale’s place in the hat for the next round after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, with many on social media quick to point out the role played by a number of Rochdale’s youth academy graduates in securing the victory.

Rochdale inflicted a fifth straight defeat upon Colchester thanks to goals from Matty Lund, Peter Vincenti, Ian Henderson and Jack O’Connell at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Dale manager Keith Hill is in a positive frame of mind as they continue their frenetic Christmas period against Colchester United on Saturday, buoyed by the availability of key figures as his side attempt to bounce back from a dip in form and return to the play-off spots.

Manager Keith Hill could only name five players on the bench for the second round tie, with three members of his team succumbing to a virus the evening prior to the game.

Dale picked up an impressive point when drawing 2-2 at Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday but have been plagued by suspensions and injuries to key first team players in recent weeks.

Hill was less-than-impressed with his team’s frenetic 2-1 FA Cup victory over Northampton Town on Tuesday night and made his feelings known to the players during and after the game.

Rochdale’s five-game unbeaten run was ended thanks to Michael Brown’s second-half strike, pushing Keith Hill’s team out of the League One play-off places and down to eighth.

Rochdale sit ninth in the division after two impressive away victories against Yeovil and Swindon and Hill is pleased with the positive energy surrounding the club at this stage of the season.

The 2013-2014 season will go down as one of the most memorable in Rochdale’s history. Here’s five crucial matches.

Peter Vincenti and Ian Henderson sealed a 2-0 victory over Cheltenham Town to clinch Dale’s place in League One

Dale beat Wycombe 2-0 on Saturday to remain two points clear of Scunthorpe in automatic promotion race