However, that was a false dawn for City as 'Dale dominated proceedings for the rest of the half.
The closest they came to breaking the deadlock was midway through the half. Centre back Alton Thelwell's mistake allowed Grant Holt a shot on goal, but Boaz Myhill somehow deflected it onto the post.
For all their possession, that was the only time they forced Myhill into making a save, and City almost snatched an undeserved lead in stoppage time. Allsopp crossed from the right flank and Jason Price got a shot in, but Edwards made an excellent point blank save to tip it over.
With Stuart Green on for Alton Thelwell at the break, City piled on the pressure in the second half but were still being frustrated. Ben Burgess was guilty of missing the best chance, hitting a free shot straight at Edwards after Price sent Allsopp clear down the right. The visitors also threatened at the other end but Myhill was alert to deny them.
Peter Taylor used up his remaining substitutes by bringing on Ryan France and Jon Walters in the 70th minute, but moments later Price injured himself stretching for a ball. After trying to carry on he succumbed and went off a few minutes later leaving City with just ten men.
This was not to matter though as Damien Delaney scored with 12 minutes to go. He brought the ball out from left-back, and as Burgess created space inside he continued his run before firing over Edwards and into the net from 20 yards. Even Myhill raced up the pitch to join in with Delaney's shirtless celebration of his first goal since December 2002 and only the third of his career.
After that, City's ten men battled to keep hold of their slender 1-0 lead, which they did until full time. 16,050 were at the KC Stadium to see a third win in succession.
City line-up (4-4-2): Myhill; Marshall, Joseph, Delaney, Thelwell (Green 45); Price, Ashbee, Lewis, Elliott (France 70); Allsopp (Walters 70) Burgess.
Subs: Musselwhite, Hinds.