Aldershot Town make the 234-mile trip to Greater Manchester this weekend, as they face Rochdale AFC at the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday afternoon.
From a historical standpoint, Rochdale’s status as one of the biggest teams in this year’s National League is inarguable. Their relegation from League two in 2023 marked the end of a 102-year-stint in the Football League. Remarkably, they never reached higher than the third-tier in this period, giving them the unwanted record of most seasons competed as a professional club without having reached the pyramid’s top-two divisions.
With 57 points from 37 games, ‘the Dale’ currently find themselves in seventh place, and as a byproduct, embody the all-important play-off threshold. The Dale will be hoping to put together a strong end to the season in their pursuit of returning to League Two at the second time of asking, a level they will understandably believe is their rightful home.
RECENT FORM
The Dale have endured a frustrating start to 2025, a total of five postponements within a month of New Year’s Day seemingly stunted momentum, as the club were winless in six league matches throughout February.
- 25/03/25 – Rochdale 0-4 York City
- 22/03/25 – Maidenhead United 1-1 Rochdale
- 18/03/25 – Rochdale 2-3 Boston United
- 15/03/25 – Oldham Athletic 1-1 Rochdale
- 11/03/25 – Rochdale 3-0 Altrincham
Surprisingly, this run of fixtures has yet to affect the club’s league position. The emphatic win over local rivals Altrincham saw the two sides go level in the table, and while Rochdale have picked up just two points since, the Robins’ have collected only one.
IN THE DUGOUT
Former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jimmy McNulty has been at the helm since March 2023, having taken on the almost impossible task of rescuing League Two survival,
Having played 237 times for the Dale between 2015 and his appointment, Runcorn-born McNulty took over from the dismissed Robbie Stockdale. His first few months in management saw relegation, though with the club rock-bottom of the Football League and 11 points from safety at the time he took over, it is unsurprising that the demotion on his CV is seen as nothing more than anecdotal.
With 83 National League games now under his belt, he may look to improve upon his current PPG of 1.43. Tasked with returning the Dale to the EFL, Mcnulty will be doing all within his power to secure a play-off place come May.
LAST TIME OUT
The reverse fixture saw Rochdale win 2-0 in a forgettable outing for Tommy Widdrington’s men. Two early goals, each emanating from low-crosses from the right, allowed Kairo Mitchell and Devante Rodney to put the visitors into an early two-goal lead that held for the remainder of the afternoon.
The Shots’ last visit to the Crown Oil Arena was in November 2023, where a closely contested tie eventually saw the hosts claim all three points. Jack Barham’s turning effort opened the scoring deep into the first-half, before a quickfire reply from Jimmy Keohane levelled things at the break. As the Dale grew into the game, mounting pressure eventually told as once again Kairo Mitchell proved the difference maker with a 79th-minute header.
Aldershot last claimed victory here in 1984, though in the side’s current iteration, the Shots will be looking for a historic first ever win in the Spotland district.
FORMER SHOTS
Since the departure of Ody Alfa to Slough Town in December, none of the current Rochdale squad possess any Aldershot connections.
However, when looking for players who share indelible connections with both, look no further than Peter Vincenti. The Jersey-born midfielder made more than a century of EFL appearances for both clubs across sequential spells between 2011 and 2017, and boasts being the only man to score on either side of this fixture.
TICKET INFO
Away fans will be housed in the Willbutts Lane stand, blocks S and R, both are seated.
Supporters can purchase tickets HERE, ensuring to scroll down to the corresponding fixture.
You will receive an e-ticket via email, which you can either print at home, or use directly from your phone on the automated turnstiles.
Rochdale AFC strongly advise that you buy online for a speedy purchase and to reduce potential queues on the day.
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adults: £24.00
- 65 + (Senior): £19.00
- 21 & Under: £14.00
- 13 & Under: £7.00 (Must be accompanied by another ticket holder aged 18+)
Please note that tickets can be purchased in-person using cash or card on the day, however there will be an additional £1 charge.
Children 2 Years & under may enter free of charge with a paying Adult, though a ticket is still required.
For any concerns or queries, contact the Ticket Office on 01706 644648.
Disabled & Car Parking information can be found HERE.
Club Policies – Ground Regulations can be viewed HERE.
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT
Live updates will be available from our social media platforms X (@OfficialShots), Instagram (@aldershottownfcofficial), and Facebook. After the game, highlights will be available on our YouTube channel.
The game can be streamed by overseas viewers via DAZN’s National League TV coverage. Click HERE to purchase a match pass.
There will be live commentary of the game provided by BBC Radio Surrey – listen online HERE
