Our first of the final ten matches of the season sees us travel to the South Coast.
After three straight victories, we’re in action against an Eastleigh side whose three points in midweek has given them a nine-point buffer to the bottom four.
ADMISSION DETAILS
Tickets for the game are on sale via Eastleigh’s ticketing website.
We have been allocated Blocks S1 and S2 in the fully seated South Stand, prices include a £1.20 booking fee.
Click HERE for full details.
PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW
We caught up with Casey Pettit who looks ahead to Dale’s two upcoming away trips down south.
Click HERE to watch.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Following the rescheduling to an evening kick-off, the game will be streamed live on DAZN. Click HERE to sign up.
If supporters are unable to make the game, the Ratcliffe Bar is open and screening the action live. Doors open at 4pm, with drinks deals available. Click HERE for full details.
Dale Player will also bring live audio commentary direct from the stadium. Click HERE to sign up for the audio subscription service.
THE OPPOSITION
Overview – Following our 2-0 win back in November, Eastleigh ended the calendar year well with wins away at Gateshead and Boston United coupled with draws, which looked to have steered them away from the dotted line. However, Bartlett’s side suffered an exit from the FA Trophy and then four consecutive defeats, conceding 11 goals. Following five wins from 23 games, Bartlett was removed of his duties, with Eastleigh just six points away from safety. They come into the game now off the back of a late victory over Brackley Town in midweek, thanks to an Aaron Blair brace, bouncing back from defeats against two of the top three. That win has extended the gap to Morecambe in 21st to nine points, with further maximums needed to secure another season in the National League.
Manager – Richard Hill – 62yo, appt 24th Feb 2026. The Spitfires reappointed Hill for a fourth time last month, after a run of one win in eight games under Scott Bartlett, with his last a 4-0 defeat at Morecambe. The interim gaffer led them to promotion to the fifth tier in the 2015/16 campaign and has now won two of his first four in charge.
Form
Eastleigh 2-2 Boreham Wood (D).
Morecambe 4-0 Eastleigh (L).
Eastleigh 2-1 Truro City (W).
Eastleigh 1-2 Carlisle United (L).
York City 3-1 Eastleigh (L).
Eastleigh 2-1 Brackley Town (W).
Last Game – Eastleigh 2-1 Brackley Town (21′ 90+4′ Blair).
Top League Goalscorer (2025/26) – Aaron Blair (15).
New Signings
Will Spiers (RB).
Luey Giles (LB).
Harvey Saunders (FW).
Jake Tabor (FW).
Inih Effiong (FW).
WE’VE MET BEFORE
Games Played – 5
Rochdale Wins – 4
Draws – 0
Eastleigh Wins – 1
Most recent encounter – Dale 2-0 Eastleigh (29th Nov 2025).
THE SILVERLAKE STADIUM
Click HERE to access our hosts’ matchday guide, with tabs attached with directions and matchday activities.
OFFICIALS
Referee | Harry Wager.
Assistants | Adrian Tranter & David Middleton.
Fourth Official | Jonathon Wilks.
