William Bewsey
11:29am, Mon 11th Mar 2024
Rochdale vs Woking
Vanarama National League
Tuesday 12th March 2024
19:45 Kick-Off
Woking will look to continue their recent run of good form when they travel to Rochdale for the first time on Tuesday night.
Following Ricky Korboa’s stoppage time winner at Altrincham, it’s now three wins in a row for Michael Doyle’s side, and they will be facing a side who have won just twice this calendar year. In fact, a win for the Cards would take them above their hosts.
There was some bad news after Saturday however, which was that Manny Oyeleke had to come off with an injury. This opens up a slot in the midfield, and Doyle will be hoping that whoever takes that spot does it with such efficiency as Kevin Berkoe did when he was brought on in Oyeleke’s place.
Luke Wilkinson, rested in place of Timi Odusina on Saturday, may come in for Scott Cuthbert, with the 36-year-old potentially being rotated after playing a remarkable 32 games so far this season.
Opposition Watch
Going into the New Year, Dale looked a decent bet for playoffs, having been in the mix for most of the season and being just a point off 7th place. However, since then it’s been anything but plain sailing.
Just two wins in their last ten has seen Jimmy McNulty’s side fall away from playoff contention and has them checking their rear view mirror to see if they can secure safety. Currently sitting 13th, there’s currently a five point buffer between Dale and the drop, meaning potential defeat to the Cards could see alarm bells ringing on the pitch.
Off it, they’ve been ringing for some time, with a statement last month confirming that the club needs outside investment to survive. Two prospective buyers lay waiting in the wing, and Dale will hope that they can solve these issues; a potential points deduction for entering administration would be disastrous.
Top scorer is former Notts County man Kairo Mitchell with 12 in 29 games, and Dale have two other attackers; 39 year old club legend Ian Henderson and tricky winger Tyrese Sinclair, who have 11 and 10 goals respectively. 18-year-old centre back George Nevett has plenty of admirers at a higher level, and he’s been ever present at the heart of the Dale defence.
Last Time Out
The only previous meeting between these sides saw Woking win 3-2 at the Laithwaite in August, as a Scott Cuthbert goal, followed by a Reece Grego-Cox double sealed the points.
Around the Ground
Woking fans will be allocated Block U of the Pearl Street Stand, which is fully seated.
Away supporters will be able to purchase tickets online
here or on the gate with no extra charge.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adult £22
Junior (U14) £5
Senior (65+) £17
Young Person (U22) £10
The Cards Trust are running a coach, more information is available here
