Keith Hill's side is two places and four points behind Stockport with virtually the same goal difference.
And with Peterborough and Milton Keynes Dons looking odds-on for automatic promotion, then County and Dale are on a play-off collision course.
Not that County assistant boss Peter Ward has given up on a top-three finish.
And his perfect scenario would be promotion for Stockport and their Spotland rivals.
A former Rochdale player, Wardy still has affection for his old club.
"I had some great times at Spotland and still have a lot of friends there," he told MEN Sport. "Mind you, I think they still blame me for missing a late chance against Crystal Palace in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
"Keith Hill is doing a great job and I couldn't be happier if they do go up.
"But all my loyalties are with Stockport. And if we have to meet them in the play-offs then I hope we come out on top."
Ward, however, hasn't given up on County catching Fergie junior at Peterborough or another Old Trafford old boy Paul Ince's Dons.
Dogfight
"As long as it's possible we will try to win every game and hope the others slip up.
"We have to play both Peterborough and Milton Keynes before the end of the season so who knows what can happen.
"In a way it's easier playing the top sides instead of the ones fighting for their lives," added Ward who took in Tuesday's bottom of the table dogfight between Mansfield and Wrexham.
"And even if we have to go through the play-offs then we have achieved more than we did last season.
"We think we've got a good blend of youth and enthusiasm that can take us up. The record away run was great for confidence but didn't make us over-confident to the point of arrogance.
"Rochdale are the same sort of squad with plenty of youngsters and some experienced pros."
Rochdale have recovered from a dreadful run overlapping three months when they won only once in eight games to become promotion contenders once more.
Ward's gaffer, Jim Gannon, is the running for the League Two manager of the month award for March, along with Alan Knill of Bury.
Rochdale, who smashed County's record run of nine clean sheets just over 12 months ago with a 7-2 thrashing at Edgeley Park, look to have the easier run-in.
And after 34 years in the bottom tier of English football they are desperate to leave League Two behind.
Former Hatters striker Adam Le Fondre struck a vital winner against Bradford this week and his goals will be crucial in the remaining weeks of the campaign.
"It's great to see both clubs still in the running, but all my thoughts are with Stockport and, as long as we maintain our current form, I think we can go up," added Ward.
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Third place is going to go down to the wire, MK & Posh have the top two places sewn up for my money. County as we know have Darlo, Posh & MK to play but strangely enough Hereford also still have to play those three, Darlo have to play Chesterfield & Posh as well. Wycombe have games against Posh & MK. Looking at Dales' games they look to have an easier? run in, but there will be plenty and twists and turns to come. Now why don't they play games on paper! Up the County
Glad Gannon missed MOM Award its usually the kiss of death so Fergies lot should be doomed.
As for us and Rochdale, weve got two good keepers,they have spencer and whoever they can get in on loan, we have a tough run in.but we always do beter aginst the better teams, more worried about the Mansfield game than Darlington.
Come on County! I do Fancey a Trip to the big Village in the South as Long as we win,would be a fitting tribute to Danny B
It would be nice if the writer of this article had checked his facts before going to print. Dale did win 7-2 but it was not the game that ended the record run. County lost at Barnet 2-1 to end that run. I do agree that it would be great to have county get into the top 3 and dale go up through the play-offs.
Delighted that Jim did not yet win he first manager of the month, lets save it for April and County pushing for a top 3 place.