The Spitfires are on the road in the Vanarama National League, as we take on Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday 12th April, with a kick-off at 3pm.

Rochdale:

The hosts will be hoping to use their final six fixtures to cement a spot in the play-offs as they attempt to return to the Football League after a two-year absence.

To do this, they’ll need to bounce back from adversity after a difficult week for the club. On Saturday, ‘The Dale’ exited the FA Trophy at the hands of Spennymoor Town who beat them on a penalty shootout meaning the National League side missed out on a second-ever trip to Wembley Stadium.

This was followed by a Tuesday night trip to Sutton which saw Rochdale leave South-London empty-handed due to an own-goal from Kyron Gordon in the 87th minute.

Despite this setback, Rochdale currently occupy 7th place in the league and with a game in hand, they could climb to as high as 5th place.

Eastleigh:

The Spitfires will be looking to return to winning ways after a point was snatched off them by Halifax who, against the run of play, equalised in the 89th minute.

Unlike Rochdale, Eastleigh have had some breathing room with no midweek fixture since our trip to Oldham on Tuesday 11 March which will allow the players some much needed rest.

The visitors will be without Scott Quigley (Suspended), Jake Vokins (Injury), and Solomon Nwabuokei (Injury).

The Spitfires now sit 13th place in the National League, and will be looking to end the season with a good run of form.

Davis’ Pre-Match Thoughts:

Davis: “We’ve had a clear preparation week which is nice. The lads have been really focused and I’m pleased for them.

“I know it can be difficult at the backend of a season with a couple of niggles here and there and a bit of fatigue, but I think the mentality of the group is good.”

“They’re chasing that top seven finish. They’re a good possession team and a team that have got good players that can hurt us. We’re prepared as best as we can be and we’re showing them a lot of respect.”

Rochdale’s Last Five Results:

25/03/25 | Rochdale 0-4 York City | VNL

29/03/25 | Rochdale 4-0 Aldershot Town | VNL

01/04/25 | Woking 1-1 Rochdale | VNL

05/04/25 | Rochdale 2(4)-(5)2 Spennymoor Town | FAT SF

08/04/25 | Sutton United 1-0 Rochdale | VNL

Previous Meetings:

After only three previous meetings between the two sides, Rochdale enjoyed winning the opening two after a 2-0 win followed by a 4-1 win

The most recent meeting saw the Spitfires complete a comeback to win 4-2 courtesy of goals from McCallum, Francillette, and Maguire.

19/08/23 | Rochdale 2-0 Eastleigh | VNL

16/03/24 | Eastleigh 1-4 Rochdale | VNL

21/09/24 | Eastleigh 4-2 Rochdale | VNL

Highlights: Eastleigh 4-2 Rochdale

Video7 months ago

Match Coverage:

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