Our 2025/26 Isuzu FA Trophy campaign begins at the same venue as last season, in Warwickshire, as we face Leamington.
The National League North outfit progressed through to this round with a 2-0 victory over Maidenhead United, with Dale looking to go one further than a semi-final place last term.
ADMISSION DETAILS
Tickets are on sale via Leamington’s ticketing website.
The stadium will be unsegregated on the day. Please note that there is a booking fee of 50p per ticket.
Click HERE for full details.
YOUR CO-OP COMMUNITY STADIUM
Leamington have produced a detailed guide to Saturday’s game, with information on parking, food and drink, as well as much more.
Click HERE to view.
COMPETITION RULES
Should the tie end in a draw after 90 minutes, we will head straight into a penalty shootout to determine who reaches the next round.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Follow the game by listening in full over on Dale Player, with our commentary team on air ten minutes before kick-off.
Click HERE to sign up to our audio subscription service.
Please note that there will be no video streaming available for Saturday’s fixture.
THE OPPOSITION
Overview – The Brakes completed their first season back in the sixth tier at the first attempt in 16th place, despite a tough end to the campaign which saw them go winless in the final seven league matches. Their previous spell at this level lasted six seasons before a 22nd placed finish in 2023, with the 2025/26 season becoming a similar story. After 19 games, Leamington have just three wins to their name and are the league’s lowest scorers on 13 goals. All three of the victories have come at home and they are without one in the division since 2nd September, a total of 12 matches without a maximum result. They currently find themselves seven points away from safety but do have three games in hand on 22nd-placed Oxford City.
Manager – Paul Holleran – 55yo, appt November 2009, almost 800 games in charge. He earned promotion with the club in summer 2024 and celebrated 16 years at the helm last month.
Last Game – Leamington 1-3 AFC Telford United (24′ Thompson).
Top League Goalscorer (2025/26) – Ewan Williams & Seb Thompson (3).
New Signings
Eddie Brearey (GK).
Archie Crowther (CB).
Josh Tomlinson (CB).
Demico Burton (LB).
Hisham Chiha (CM).
Will Van Lier (CM).
Dylan Mitchell (CM).
Luke Shaw (FW).
Luis Rose (FW).
Miro Pais (FW).
Seb Thompson (FW).
Frank Tattum (FW).
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Tom Bates made the move to Dale on non-contract terms in 2007 after a successful stint with Leamington the previous season. He made two appearances at the Crown Oil Arena, totalling 37 minutes, after scoring five in 25 for The Brakes.
WE’VE MET BEFORE
Games Played – 1
Rochdale Wins – 1
Draws – 0
Leamington Wins – 0
Only encounter – Leamington 0-2 Dale (10th Dec 2024).
OFFICIALS
Referee | Niall Smith.
Assistants | Andrew Hickman & Ryan Head.
Fourth Official | William Murray.
