In the gruelling marathon that is the National League season, Rochdale are proving they have the stamina and skill to lead the pack. A 2-0 victory over Eastleigh at the Crown Oil Arena solidified their position at the summit, a crucial step in their mission to secure an immediate return to the English Football League.
A Club Reborn and Thriving
The atmosphere around the club is one of renewed belief, a stark contrast to the turmoil of the previous year. Rochdale were saved from liquidation by a £2m takeover by the local Ogdens family, providing a stable foundation for success. Under the guidance of manager Jimmy McNulty, the team is now thriving, aiming to reclaim the EFL status it held for an unbroken 102 years between 1921 and 2023.
The chant of "We're on our way to the Football League" echoed from the stands during the Eastleigh match, a testament to the growing confidence among supporters. This win, which kept them top on goal difference ahead of Mark Hughes's Carlisle United, was a display of dominance from start to finish.
Overcoming On and Off-Pitch Hurdles
Rochdale's path to promotion is far from straightforward, mirroring the notoriously topsy-turvy nature of the National League. The league is described not just as a marathon, but as an obstacle course, with only one automatic promotion spot available.
Adding to the challenge, the club faces an unexpected mid-season relocation. The problematic pitch at the Crown Oil Arena, which has already caused postponements against Southend and Scunthorpe due to waterlogging, is being relaid from 7 December. After a rescheduled clash with Southend, Rochdale will play three away games and seek an alternative home ground for fixtures against Hartlepool and Brackley around New Year's Day.
The club hopes the new drainage system and hybrid surface will solve the persistent issue, with a planned return to their home ground on 24 January against Truro City.
Clinical Performance Seals the Points
On a greasy pitch following morning rain, Rochdale controlled the match against Eastleigh from the outset. Despite the visitors' goalkeeper, Nick Townsend, being in fine form, the pressure finally told in the 54th minute.
Tarryn Allarakhia broke the deadlock with a deflected effort that found the bottom corner. The home side's superiority was then confirmed with a quarter of an hour left to play, when Allarakhia sealed the victory with his second goal, a smart cushioned volley, and was promptly congratulated by teammate Aidan Barlow.
Manager Jimmy McNulty praised his team's "clinical and professional performance," emphasising the importance of maintaining momentum and their proud home record. The win was even more critical as promotion rivals Carlisle, Forest Green Rovers, and York all also won, meaning just one point separates the top four clubs.
Rochdale, however, hold a significant advantage with two games in hand on many of their rivals and a healthy goal difference. They continue to navigate this treacherous division, battling former EFL heavyweights like Carlisle, Southend, and Scunthorpe, all with their own ambitions of reaching the promised land.
