MATCH PREVIEW | WEALDSTONE VS ROCHDALE AFC
- Wealdstone FC
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Wealdstone host Rochdale AFC at Grosvenor Vale on Saturday as Sam Cox’s men look to bounce back from a bank holiday weekend which saw them get fewer points than their performances deserved.
The Basics
Date: Saturday, August 30
Venue: Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, HA4 6JQ
Competition: The Enterprise National League
Kick Off Time: 3:00 pm
Broadcast Information: The game will be available to watch live via DAZN (non-UK residents only)
This Week At The Vale?
The week started in disappointing fashion as Gregory Sloggett’s 79th-minute strike condemned the Stones to defeat at the Jakemans Community Stadium.
Despite a pointless bank holiday double-header, Wealdstone still sit in seventh-place in the league with an impressive nine points from five games.
In other news, the Wealdstone FC Foundation have announced the formation of the mental health group ‘Heads Up!’ From October 1st onwards, men from the community aged 18 or over will be able to meet at Ruislip Social Club and talk through their struggles.
Register your interest in joining the group by emailing headsupmhgroup@gmail.com, and be sure to keep an eye on Wealdstone FC Foundation’s social media for any updates.
The Head of Women’s Football at the newly-formed Wealdstone women’s team, Gabi Racut, sat down with club media to discuss the last couple of months and plans for the future.
She emphasised the talent and commitment of the new-look squad, and her desire to create a pathway from the academy to the first team. The full interview can be found here.
The Opposition
Recent form: WWWLW
Jim McNulty’s Rochdale have been one of the most dangerous teams in the league during the opening weeks of the season.
They finished last season in fourth place, but lost out to Southend United in extra time during a seven-goal playoff thriller.
A number of experienced EFL and National League players have arrived at the Crown Oil Arena this summer, including the likes of David Tutonda, Joe Pritchard and Casey Pettit.
The Dale’s only defeat this season came against Brackley Town, where they made 11 changes to try and cope with fixture congestion. They currently sit in second place, one point off Forest Green.
The manager - Jim McNulty: The Scotsman is somewhat of an icon at the Dale, having played 237 games and managed over 100 matches for the club.
In fact, the 40-year-old has only ever been in charge at Rochdale. He started the 2022/23 season as a player before being appointed as interim manager following the dismissal of Jim Bentley, and he was given the managerial job on a permanent basis in the summer of 2023.
His record against the Stones is fairly average, as Wealdstone have won both of their home fixtures against Rochdale, but lost both of their games in Greater Manchester.
The danger man - Emmanuel Dieseruvwe: Dieseruvwe has been one of the most dangerous strikers in the National League since he signed for Grimsby Town on loan in February 2022.
The now 30-year-old scored seven times in 16 games for the Mariners, as they earned promotion from the fifth tier via the playoffs, before moving to Halifax Town.
After a solid season, in which he scored 13 times in 42 league games, the Leeds-born man left the Shay and moved to Hartlepool United.
His spell with the Pools was nothing short of sensational. Dieseruvwe scored 39 times and provided 11 assists in just 85 games. He was named as Hartlepool’s best player in the 2023/24 season by the Hartlepool Mail.
The rangy striker, who is more than adept with his feet, has adapted extremely well to his new surroundings, scoring four goals in his first five games for Rochdale. He is currently the second-highest scorer in the fifth tier.
Buy Your Tickets Now!
The team would love your support to help them get back to winning ways, so do not hesitate to purchase your tickets via the link below!
Be sure to remember that tickets purchased online in advance are always cheaper than on the gate.
