MATCH PREVIEW: Rochdale

WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING:

The Shots will be looking to capitalise on a well-earned point against Bromley on Tuesday night as they welcome the visit of Rochdale to the EBB Stadium. Currently occupying the last playoff position, Rochdale are level on 9th placed Aldershot on points, but thanks to their goal difference sit two places above Tommy Widdrington’s side.

Also known as “the Dale”, Rochdale will be making an almost 500 mile round trip from the Crown Oil Arena to the EBB Stadium. The Dale are playing their first season in the National League in their current stint in the division, as they were relegated bottom of League Two, and dropped out of the Football League last season.

LAST TIME OUT:

When Aldershot travelled to the Crown Oil Arena in November Tommy Widdrington’s side were on good form, having knocked Swindon out the FA Cup and then kept a clean sheet as they beat Kidderminster Harriers at the EBB Stadium, but Rochdale had planned for their visit.

A good first half from the travelling Shots saw Jack Barham give Aldershot the lead on 37, but Jimmy Keohane got the hosts back level a few minutes later. An improved second half from the Dale saw Kario Mitchell give them the lead with just over 10 minutes to go, a goal which turned out to be the last in the game as Rochdale won 2-1.

SINCE WE MET:

The victory over Aldershot was the first of a three game winning run for Rochdale, as they went on to beat Altrincham and Dagenham & Redbridge before losing to Bromley and then exiting the FA Trophy after a 5-1 loss to Gateshead.

Rochdale have lost one of their last five since going out of the FA Trophy, losing 2-0 to Fydle on New Years Day, but winning against Fylde on Boxing Day, and beating Kidderminster in their previous game, which due to postponements was on January 6th. They have also got two draws against York and Halifax in their last five

IN THE DUGOUT:

Looking to guide Rochdale back into the Football League is former player Jimmy McNulty. McNulty’s career began in Merseyside as he played for Liverpool and Everton at youth level, and in his senior career became very involved with Rochdale, whether that was with or against them. During his time at Stockport in 2008/09 McNulty won promotion to League One via the playoffs, beating Rochdale 3-2 in the playoff final. Following his exit from Stockport McNulty went on to play for Brighton, Scunthorpe, Barnsley, Tranmere, Bury and eventually in 2015 he joined Rochdale, where he has remained for almost a decade as either a player or manager. Capped with Scotland at youth level, McNulty had interim spells with Rochdale as manager following the sackings of Robbie Stockdale and Jim Bentley, but at the beginning of the season McNulty was given a two year contract at Rochdale.

A NEW(ISH) SHOT

Aldershot were delighted to announce the return of a loan defender Rollin Menayese from Walsall until the end of the season. The defender has already spent a short spell at the EBB Stadium, spending time on loan during the 2018/19 season, and has amassed over 100 Football League appearances for various sides.

Welcome to the Shots, Rollin!