The Crown Oil Arena hosts a crucial National League encounter as Rochdale welcome in-form Aldershot Town. With both teams harbouring ambitions as the season enters its final stages, this fixture promises a fascinating contest. Rochdale will be eager to capitalise on home advantage and climb the table, while a buoyant Aldershot will look to extend their impressive unbeaten run.
Rochdale’s recent form has been inconsistent. A spirited pair of home victories against Wealdstone (4-1) and Altrincham (3-0) suggested a surge up the table, but their momentum has stalled. A 1-1 draw away to Oldham Athletic was followed by a disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Boston United and another 1-1 draw, this time away to Maidenhead United, leaving them winless in their last three. Despite this wobble, Dale have scored in their last seven matches, highlighting their attacking threat. Aldershot Town, conversely, arrive at the Crown Oil Arena brimming with confidence on a seven-match unbeaten run. A goalless draw at home to Dagenham & Redbridge was followed by a convincing 3-1 victory over Gateshead. Further wins against Altrincham (2-1) and Maidenhead United (1-0) were capped off with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Ebbsfleet United. The Shots have also scored in each of their last four matches, demonstrating their own potent attacking capabilities.
The recent history between the two sides adds further spice to this encounter. Rochdale hold a 2-1 advantage in victories across their three meetings in the last two seasons (not three). Earlier this season, Rochdale secured a 2-0 away win against Aldershot, courtesy of goals from Kairo Mitchell and Devante Rodney. Last season saw Rochdale win 2-1 at home before losing 3-1 away to Aldershot.
Rochdale currently sit 7th in the National League table with 57 points from 37 matches, while Aldershot Town are 13th with 50 points from 38 games. Rochdale’s goal difference of +14 suggests a relatively solid defence, while Aldershot’s even goal difference perhaps indicates a more open, attacking style.
Victory for Rochdale could reignite their play-off push and inject a much-needed dose of confidence after their recent stumble. A draw would serve neither side’s ambitions particularly well. For Aldershot, three points would further solidify their impressive run and potentially see them climb several places up the table. Defeat, however, could check their momentum and see them dragged back into a congested mid-table battle. All the ingredients are there for a captivating match.