David Perkins' 20th minute sending off left the visitors to play out the remaining 70 minutes with a man down.
And with the former Morecambe midfielder banished to the stands for a reckless challenge on Rochdale's Jay Harris, it was Swansea loanee Ian Craney who put Stanley ahead.
Craney beat visiting keeper Sam Russell with a sweet strike in the 23rd minute for his second goal for John Coleman's side.
But despite having their backs against the wall as the home side pressed to double their advantage, trainee striker Kallum Higginbotham struck a timely equaliser early in the second half.
It was Higginbotham's first goal for his club and one which understandably delighted Dale boss Keith Hill in the visiting dug-out.
The goal looked to have secured a point, but Hill's charges wanted to go one better and they got their reward for sustained pressure when striker Glenn Murray pounced to put then ahead.
It was Murray's first goal in seven games and his fifth goal of the season.
Victory for Dale means back-to-back League Two wins over their hosts, having beaten them 4-2 at Spotland towards the end of last season.
Meanwhile, Accrington have now not beaten Dale for over 47 years - their last win being a 2-0 victory at home in the old Division Four back in 1960.
Both sides had good chances and in the opening minute Harris forced Russell to save.
Craney then scored after Perkins had been dismissed by referee Neil Swarbrick, before Adam Rundle went close for the visitors.
Accrington had two good chances before the break as Leighton McGivern shot wide and then goalscorer Craney missed the target when he should have done better.
Craney had a good chance in the first minute after the resumption, but his shot flew wide of the target, while substitute John Doolan went close for Dale.
Harris missed and Leam Richardson had a shot covered by Russell, before Higginbotham popped up to bring things back to level terms.
Andy Proctor headed over for Accrington, while Rory McArdle headed wide for Dale.
But Dale's second goal - which ultimately proved to be the winner - came when Murray powered past Russell with a sweet header.