The Match

The Dale

Rochdale's 3-0 win at Boston on the weekend was their first victory on their travels this season and this was only Dale's second win of the season after they started off with four successive defeats followed by three draws. The win at Boston leaves Rochdale in twentieth position on nine points without a win against a team occupying a place in the top half of the tab.

Top goal scorer for Rochdale is Chris Dagnall who has netted on three occasions this season. Liverpool born Dagnall started his career at Tranmere but after failing to hold down a first team place, the striker headed for Rochdale during the January transfer window and his goals towards the end of last season contributed to securing Rochdale's status as a Football League club.

Manager Steve Parkin is currently trailing striker Michael Branch after Chester gave permission to Rochdale to speak with the out of favour front man who as yet to feature in first team action this season. At the moment Steve Parkin is waiting for Branch to get in contact but will make room in his squad after transfer listing defender Warren Goodhind after he failed to settle following his move from Cambridge twelve months ago.

Manager Steve Parkin is in his second spell in charge of Rochdale after previously enjoying a successful tenure between 1999-2001 before joining Barnsley in November 2001. His tenure at Oakwell lasted just under twelve months and took charge of Rochdale again in December 2003.

Past Encounters

Last 5 Meetings

Mar 06: Rochdale 0 Wrexham 1

Dec 05: Wrexham 2 Rochdale 1

Dec 02: Rochdale 2 Wrexham 2

Aug 02: Wrexham 2 Rochdale 5

Nov 99: Wrexham 2 Rochdale 1

Wrexham won the last encounter between the sides with Matt Derbyshire scoring the only goal of the game in the first half although the match will be remembered for Wrexham's then defender Dave Bayliss being sent off whilst on loan for Rochdale.

The other game at the Racecourse on Boxing Day also went the way of Wrexham with a Matt Crowell penalty equalising for Wrexham just before half time with Darren Ferguson wrapping up the 2-1 win with a stunning volley in the second half.

In total the clubs have met on 108 occasions in the league with Wrexham ahead with 51 wins compared to Rochdale's 37 and there have been 20 draws.

Form Guide

After going seven games without a win, loosing their first four games, Rochdale have only tasted defeat once in their last six league games. Their current run of games started with a 1-1 draw at home to Hereford and this was followed up with another point in a goalless draw at Bristol Rovers. Rochdale's first win of the season then came against Grimsby at home but in midweek they lost 2-0 at home to Wycombe before picking up another three points in the weekend 3-0 win at Boston.

After defeating Swindon 2-1 at home the future looked good for Wrexham but after conceding 14 goals in their next three games, all away from home, Wrexham did at least win their last game 1-0 at home to Hereford.

Bookies View

Wrexham's unbeaten home record has them odds on for the win at 5/6 with BetDirect and Stan James. Rochdale are priced at 7/2 by Bet odd or Even for their second successive away win with the draw available at 12/5 with Bet 365.

Team News

Wrexham Team News: Mark Jones limped off injured with a shin injury on Sunday but Wrexham are hopeful that he will be available for selection along with Chris Llewellyn who has had an ankle knock. Wrexham are likely to remain unchanged if both players are passed fit but Neil Roberts and Shaun Pejic are not quite ready for a first team return whilst Lee McEvilly is out long term.

Rochdale Team News: Defenders James Sharp and Mark Jackson have been rated as doubtful with Achilles and thigh injuries respectively. On the plus side for Dale is that defender Jon Baordman has returned to training after sustaining a broken nose.

Officials: The match referee is SJ Bratt and he is in his first season as a Football League referee. So far this season he has refereed four games but has sent off two players and booked 9 at an average of 2.25 per game.

Other Games

With the vast majority of teams on ten games played the League two table is starting to take shape with Walsall taking top spot ahead of Lincoln on goal difference after both teams picking up 23 points so far.

Walsall will be looking to maintain their good start to the season when they make the short journey up to Shrewsbury whilst Lincoln face a difficult task against rivals Boston on Wednesday night.

At the wrong end of the table, Macclesfield remain without a win but they will be looking to end this run when they face Chester in a Cheshire derby at their Moss Rose ground.

Venue Guide

Address: Racecourse Ground, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 1AH

Telephone Number: 01978 262129

Fax Number: 01978 357821

Web Site: www.wrexhamafc.co.uk

Rochdale Websites

• Official Web Site

• Rochdale AFC (Rivals Site)

• Dale Trust

• Manchester Evening News
• Rochdale Observer

How to get there?

By Train: Wrexham General is next to the ground and there is a service every two hours between Chester and Shrewsbury. There is also an hourly service between Wrexham and Liverpool. Click here for the Rail Track Online Timetable or call national enquiries on 08457 484950.

Beer and Grub: The Turf is right next to the Kop but it gets very busy in the hour leading up to kick off, so arrive early. The Official Supporters Club has use of the Centenary Club on matchdays and this is located behind the Sainsburys Stand with the entrance off the club car park. The Plas Coch Retail Park has a pub and is normally a favourite for away supporters. The Railway is located down the side road along the Remploy factory at the opposite end of Crispin Lane to the ground. There are plenty of pubs in the town centre and the closet to the ground is a Wetherspoons Pub by following Mold Road into the town centre and is found on your left hand side. If you continue into the town centre McDonalds will be on your left and the next pub you reach is The Horse and Jockey and opposite that under the archway is a good chip shop. There are more pubs on High Street and to find them continue pass the Horse and Jockey, passing Burger King on your left, and High Street is the junction with Burtons.

Cash Machines: The Shell Garage on Mold Road with further machines at Sainsburys and Boots on the Plas Coch Retail Park. If you are heading into the town centre you will pass a number of banks on your way to the pubs.

How much to get in?

Mold Road Stand Family Tickets:

1 Adult & 1 Children: £21 all areas

1 Adult & 2 Children: £26 all areas

2 adults & 2 Children: £42 all areas

Must be purchased in advance from the ticket office or Trust Shop (next to the Turf)

Young Persons: Only available to members and tickets must be purchased in advance from the ticket office.

Disabled Facilities

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