A place in the quarter-finals is on the line, in Dale’s last opportunity for cup glory in the 2025/26 season.
Following a 6-0 rout of Mossley Hill the week previous, Dale tested themselves against Premier Division side Darwen FC who compete in the same league as this Sunday’s opponents, one step above.
The hosts from Lancashire started brighter in the friendly encounter and capitalised by taking the lead from a corner. The ball bobbled in the penalty area and was converted in the game’s only goal.
Dale can take a lot of confidence from their encounter with Darwen as the game finished 1-0 but overall, a good team performance.
Our opponents, last played in the Premier Division against FC United of Manchester. Crewe took a two-goal lead in under ten minutes. A brace from Iris Bray proved enough for Crewe to get the three points, despite a late challenge from FC United.
Manager Lee Atkinson knows how much can be taken from Sunday’s friendly and what is needed to progress.
“I’m expecting a very tough game and one where I know only our best will do.
“There are lots of positives from last weekend, it was good to see that we can compete against teams in a higher division.
We know a competitive game can be totally different to a friendly and Crewe will be expected to go far in this competition.
“We have prepared well at training it went exactly to plan, and all the players are looking forward to the fixture.”
Supporters are free to attend the fixture, with kick-off at 2pm. The address is Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Rd, Rochdale, OL16 4XA.
