It’s back on the road north for the second time in seven days as a trip to Rochdale’s Crown Oil Arena awaits, only the Fleet’s second visit there after the opening-day meeting of last season more than 18 months ago.
Form guide
A defeat for Dale on Tuesday night at home to local rivals Oldham Athletic continued their mixed run of form – they have won 13 games this season (and three of their last five fixtures) while also securing the least amount of draws compared to any side with just the three on the board.
The Fleet have enjoyed some good fortune against Rochdale with two wins and the exciting 2-2 draw earlier this season leaving us unbeaten against the former EFL side.
Previous affairs
The opening match of the 2023/24 campaign saw Luke O’Neill’s fine goal live on TNT Sports take the three points back to Kent. The reverse fixture was a thrilling one as Dom Samuel secured the goods in added time with a strike in front of the Plough End.
This season, the Fleet went two goals behind at the Kuflink Stadium but fought back with goals from Ben Chapman and a Rakish Bingham penalty to take a share of the spoils.
Who’s who?
Kyron Gordon is a right-back who joined Dale in January 2024 and has since signed a further extension to take him to summer 2026. The 22-year-old, who can also operate at centre-back, spent the first half of last season on a short-term deal with AFC Fylde. A product of the Sheffield United Academy, Gordon made 10 appearances for the Bramall Lane club.
Liam Hogan is an experienced centre back and something of a National League veteran, having played nearly 300 matches in the division for the likes of Oldham Athletic, Stockport County, Salford City and now Rochdale. He won promotion from this division with both Salford and Stockport. He made the move from local rivals Oldham earlier this season and has since played 15 times.
Kairo Mitchell is the top scorer who joined Dale in June 2023. The 26-year-old was signed from Notts County, and has 12 goals during this National League campaign, ahead of Devante Rodney on eight. The forward has also been capped several times by Grenada.
Little introduction is needed for Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, a familiar face to Fleet fans from the right wing-back’s two seasons at the Kuflink Stadium where he played 44 times for the club before making the switch to Notts County. Adebayo-Rowling arrived at Rochdale at the start of the season and has settled into the starting lineup, featuring 21 times so far.
Ticketing information can be found here.
