Rochdale AFC Maintain Top Spot in National League Promotion Race

March 5, 2026 – Rochdale AFC continue to lead the Enterprise National League standings with authority as the 2025-2026 season enters its decisive phase. With 85 points from 35 matches, a remarkable record of 27 wins, 4 draws, and just 4 defeats, the Dale sit atop the table with a goal difference of +43 (68 goals scored, 25 conceded), holding a narrow lead over second-placed York City.

The team's relentless form has solidified their position as clear favourites for automatic promotion back to the Football League. Manager Jimmy McNulty's side have been particularly dominant at the Crown Oil Arena, where they remain unbeaten in recent outings, combining solid defence with clinical finishing.

< p>A thrilling midweek encounter on March 3 saw Rochdale edge past Brackley Town in a 3-2 victory. The home side fell behind early but mounted a spirited comeback, with goals from key attackers ensuring the three points in front of an enthusiastic crowd. This result followed a convincing 2-0 away win at Aldershot Town on February 28, where forward Mani Dieseruvwe was again instrumental in putting the Dale back on track after a brief dip.

Recent weeks have seen Rochdale extend an impressive unbeaten run into 2026. Victories over Woking (3-0 at home on February 21), Forest Green Rovers (2-1 on February 11), Carlisle United (1-0 on February 7), and Boreham Wood (4-1 on February 3) highlight their consistency. Even in draws against Halifax Town (2-2) and Scunthorpe United (1-1), the team showed resilience and character.

Defensively, Rochdale have been outstanding, conceding the fewest goals in the division. The backline, marshalled by experienced figures, has provided a strong foundation, while the attack continues to thrive with contributions from multiple sources, including veteran Ian Henderson and dynamic forwards like Dieseruvwe and Devante Rodney.

Off the pitch, the club remains active in the community, recently partnering with TIC Health and hosting events such as the Henderson Golf Day. Limited edition shirts honouring Henderson's legacy are on sale, boosting fan engagement during this crucial period.

However, challenges persist. Midfielder Harvey Gilmour faces a spell on the sidelines due to injury, forcing McNulty to adapt his midfield options. The squad depth has been tested, but emerging talents and squad rotation have kept momentum intact.

Looking forward, Rochdale host Boston United on March 7 in what promises to be another important fixture. A win would further cement their advantage at the summit. Upcoming away trips, including to Eastleigh on March 14, will test their credentials on the road.

The debate over increasing automatic promotion spots from the National League continues to gain traction, with Rochdale MP and others advocating for reform to better reward high-performing teams like the Dale. As things stand, only the champions secure direct promotion, making every point vital in this tightly contested race.

With the season approaching its climax, Rochdale AFC are in pole position to end their National League stay and reclaim their place in the EFL. The faithful remain optimistic that consistent performances will deliver the long-awaited return to League football.

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Home of Rochdale AFC

Opened 1878

Capacity 10,249

History (from Wikipedia)

Spotland was originally known as St Clement's Playing Fields, after the nearby St Clement's Church. Having previously been used for cricket, it became the home of St Clement's Rugby Club in 1878, until they disbanded in 1897. As well as staging local rugby competitions, the ground briefly hosted two short-lived football clubs – the original Rochdale A.F.C. from 1900 to 1901 and Rochdale Town from 1902 to 1903, but both folded. The present Rochdale A.F.C. was then formed to use the ground in 1907, later buying the freehold for £1,700 in 1914. By the time the club joined the Football League in 1921, a low wooden grandstand had been built on the south side of the ground, once the location of the cricket pavilion. Also by this time, the name of the surrounding area of the town, Spotland, had been adopted as the ground's name.[4]

In August 2016, Rochdale A.F.C. renamed Spotland Stadium the Crown Oil Arena as part of a sponsorship deal by the Bury-based fuel company Crown Oil.[1][5] In 2018, due to the winter weather the pitch got into such a bad state that a number of games had to be postponed. Subsequently Rochdale were drawn against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup and the Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino was quoted “not a pitch in a condition to play football” after seeing some pictures leading Rochdale to relay the surface in time for their game.[6][7]

Structure and facilities[edit]

The ground has four stands: the Co-Operative Stand (or Main Stand), the Thwaites Beer Stand (the Sandy Lane End), the T.D.S. Stand (Pearl Street End) and the Westrose Leisure Stand (the Willbutts Lane Stand). All are fully seated, apart from the Sandy Lane End, which is a small terrace behind one of the goals.

Things to do in Rochdale.