The Spitfires are back at home for some more Vanarama National League action. We face Rochdale at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday 21st September, with a kick-off time of 3pm.

Eastleigh:

The Spitfires come into this one, coming off the back of back to back away games last week.

Our first away day came in a midweek clash against Southend United at Roots Hall, with the hosts winning 2-0 under the lights.

The second one, and our most recent game came against FC Halifax Town at the Shay Stadium.

Two first-half goals coupled with another just after the interval put the Shaymen in position to secure a win over the Spitfires.

Towards the end of the game, Richard Brindley pulled a goal back for the Spitfires and opened his account for the club in the process.

Following these results, the Spitfires will be motivated to bounce back against Rochdale, as we look to continue our unbeaten streak on home soil.

Rochdale:

The Dale have had a strong start to the season, and currently occupy fourth place in the Vanarama National League table.

Both of their games last week were played at the Crown Oil Arena, with them winning one and losing the other.

Their defeat came in their most recent game. Solihull Moors made the trip up to Greater Manchester and ended the Dale’s five match unbeaten run.

A brace from Conor Wilkinson was enough to put them too far out of reach from Rochdale, who did manage to grab a consolation goal late on, through Kairo Mitchell.

Their midweek clash against Maidenhead United ended with a more positive result.

Mitchell got himself on the scoresheet again in that one, with his brace backing up a goal from Ryan East.

The Dale went on to win 3-1 in that one, after their visitors pulled a goal back just after the hour mark.

Rochdale’s last five results:

14/09/24 | Rochdale 1-2 Solihull Moors | VNL

10/09/24 | Rochdale 3-1 Maidenhead United | VNL

07/09/24 | Aldershot Town 0-2 Rochdale | VNL

31/08/24 | Rochdale 3-0 Woking | VNL

26/08/24 | Yeovil Town 0-1 Rochdale | VNL

Previous meetings:

The two sides only met for the first time in their histories last season, following Rochdale’s relegation from the football league.

The Greater Manchester side came out on top in both of the meetings last season.

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

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

Preview by Matthew Gibbs