Our first visit to the North East in our 2025/26 season takes us to Gateshead.
This will be our first league clash in over two weeks as Dale look to respond to defeat as do our hosts who are winless in 12 matches.
ADMISSION DETAILS
Tickets for the game are on sale via Gateshead’s ticketing website.
Proof of eligibility may be asked for. If you can not provide it, you will be asked to pay the additional to an Adult priced ticket, which stands at £22.
Click HERE for full details.
PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW
Dale completed a trio of signings on Thursday, bringing in Bryant Bilongo, Manny Duku and Callum Perry.
Click HERE to head to our YouTube channel, where you can access interviews with all three arrivals.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Dale Player will bring those who aren’t joining us in-person, live audio commentary direct from the stadium. Click HERE to sign up to our audio subscription service.
Those overseas supporters can watch the match, live on DAZN. Click HERE to sign up.
THE OPPOSITION
Overview – Gateshead initially responded well to Dale’s comfortable victory at the COA on matchday three, winning the next two and drawing with Aldershot Town, scoring seven goals in two to end August. Since then, only two league victories have followed which both came in September. The Heed hit five on the road at Morecambe, finding themselves in a steady position in the standings before a tough run of results. In November, they produced a shock 2-0 win at AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup but after that, their record stands at 12 played, 12 lost and goals conceded, 35. With just five maximums from 25, Gateshead sit bottom of the league with a four point gap to above the dotted line. The former goalkeeper and gaffer Rob Elliot will look to guide them to safety with signings through the door this January, although top goalscorer Kain Adom has made the step up to the EFL with Burton Albion.
Manager – Rob Elliot – 39yo, appt 2nd Jan 2026. After a tough season under Alun Armstrong, Elliot returned for a second time as manager following a successful spell, leading to Playoff finishes and an FA Trophy final. He went on to join EFL side Crawley Town in October 2024, has now been out of work since March of last year.
Last Game – Tamworth 3-1 Gateshead (58′ Adom).
Top League Goalscorer (2025/26) – Harry Chapman (4).
New Signings
Aidan Elliott-Wheeler (RB).
Louis Storey (CB).
Brad Nicholson (CB).
Curtis Edwards (CM).
Sam Bowen (CM).
Keaton Ward (CM).
Levi Amantchi (FW).
Billy Chadwick (FW).
Mark Beck (FW).
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Following Levi Amantchi’s departure, the forward has since joined Gateshead. He will make his debut with an appearance on Saturday, having faced off against his new club back in August in our 4-0 victory.
WE’VE MET BEFORE
Games Played – 55
Rochdale Wins – 19
Draws – 8
Gateshead Wins – 28
Most recent encounter – Dale 4-0 Gateshead (20th Aug 2025).
GATESHEAD INTERNATIONAL STADIUM
Click HERE for directions to the stadium, with accessibility information also provided on the website.
OFFICIALS
Referee | Ross Joyce.
Assistants | Aaron Hallam & Wayne Gray.
Fourth Official | Wayne Grunnill.
