Rochdale's National League resurgence is gaining momentum as the club edges closer to achieving automatic promotion, a feat that has eluded many before them. The challenge is far from insurmountable, with several top clubs battling for a spot at the summit, but Dale's current form suggests they're well-equipped to handle the pressure.
The 2-0 victory over Eastleigh was a masterclass in dominance, with Rochdale showing a clinical edge that left the visitors reeling. The home side's attacking play was relentless, and it wasn't until the 54th minute that Eastleigh finally managed to find the back of the net through a telling deflection.
As the win maintained Dale's position at the top of the division, coach Jimmy McNulty expressed pride in his team's performance, highlighting their clinical edge. "It was important to maintain momentum," he said. "We're very proud of our home record. All credit to the team, they deserve what they're getting right now."
The road ahead won't be easy for Rochdale, with several heavyweight clubs vying for promotion. Carlisle and Southend have experience in League One, while Forest Green has featured in the EFL as recently as 2024. York, meanwhile, boasts a long history of league football and a home crowd of around 7,000.
Despite this, McNulty is wary of the National League's unpredictable nature, which often throws up surprises. "It's not just a marathon, it is an obstacle course," he noted.
Rochdale will continue to navigate these challenges, with their sights set on achieving automatic promotion for the first time in years. Can they maintain their momentum and secure a spot at the top of the National League? Only time will tell, but one thing's for certain – this team is on the move, and their fans are eagerly anticipating every step of the journey.
The club's fortunes have changed significantly since being saved from liquidation last year, thanks to a £2m takeover by local family the Ogdens. Under McNulty's guidance, Dale has experienced a resurgence in form, with their 102-year unbroken stay in the EFL now within reach.
However, it's not just about winning games – it's about maintaining momentum and staying focused on the ultimate goal of automatic promotion. Rochdale will have to navigate the treacherous waters of the National League's top four over the coming weeks, but if they can maintain their current form, there's no reason why they shouldn't be able to achieve what many others before them have tried and failed.
As the season wears on, the stakes will only continue to rise. Will Rochdale become just the second club in recent years to achieve automatic promotion from the National League? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this team is ready for whatever challenges come their way.
The 2-0 victory over Eastleigh was a masterclass in dominance, with Rochdale showing a clinical edge that left the visitors reeling. The home side's attacking play was relentless, and it wasn't until the 54th minute that Eastleigh finally managed to find the back of the net through a telling deflection.
As the win maintained Dale's position at the top of the division, coach Jimmy McNulty expressed pride in his team's performance, highlighting their clinical edge. "It was important to maintain momentum," he said. "We're very proud of our home record. All credit to the team, they deserve what they're getting right now."
The road ahead won't be easy for Rochdale, with several heavyweight clubs vying for promotion. Carlisle and Southend have experience in League One, while Forest Green has featured in the EFL as recently as 2024. York, meanwhile, boasts a long history of league football and a home crowd of around 7,000.
Despite this, McNulty is wary of the National League's unpredictable nature, which often throws up surprises. "It's not just a marathon, it is an obstacle course," he noted.
Rochdale will continue to navigate these challenges, with their sights set on achieving automatic promotion for the first time in years. Can they maintain their momentum and secure a spot at the top of the National League? Only time will tell, but one thing's for certain – this team is on the move, and their fans are eagerly anticipating every step of the journey.
The club's fortunes have changed significantly since being saved from liquidation last year, thanks to a £2m takeover by local family the Ogdens. Under McNulty's guidance, Dale has experienced a resurgence in form, with their 102-year unbroken stay in the EFL now within reach.
However, it's not just about winning games – it's about maintaining momentum and staying focused on the ultimate goal of automatic promotion. Rochdale will have to navigate the treacherous waters of the National League's top four over the coming weeks, but if they can maintain their current form, there's no reason why they shouldn't be able to achieve what many others before them have tried and failed.
As the season wears on, the stakes will only continue to rise. Will Rochdale become just the second club in recent years to achieve automatic promotion from the National League? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this team is ready for whatever challenges come their way.
i think u cud win sum trophies if u maintain dis momentum but u gotta stay focused dont let any1 distract u 2 cups in a row would be amazing 
Their squad's got some real talent and McNulty's coaching them well. The Ogdens' takeover last year was a game-changer too, gave the club a fresh start. Don't count out Dale just yet, they've got this! 
Their fans have been patient for so long, it'd be awesome to see them reap the rewards. Let's not forget, these top clubs are stacked with players from big leagues... Rochdale might actually give some of those teams a run for their money! 
... what if they get knocked back down to non-league again? And with all these heavyweights vying for promotion, it's like trying to predict which asteroid will hit earth next 
... just when you think they're on track, another team comes along and steals the show 
. The pressure is gonna be intense, especially if this takeover by the Ogdens doesn't pay off... fingers crossed, but I'm not holding my breath 
they're just gonna blow it at some point like every other season 
gimme a break coach McNulty 
... shouldn't we just focus on each game individually instead of worrying about who's gonna get promoted over others?
My friend just told me about this fantasy football thing and I'm like "wait what's that again?" 
.
, staying focused on the goal, and not letting complacency creep in 
. Coach Jimmy McNulty is spot on with that obstacle course analogy – every game is a new challenge, and you can't afford to get stuck in one place 
. But if they can keep their form up and stay together as a team, I reckon they've got this 
!
.
.
. Jimmy McNulty's coaching skills are paying off big time, and the team's momentum is really building up 
. The fans are loving every minute of it, and so should we 
. The Ogdens' takeover has been a game-changer for the club, and now it's time to see if their new owners can lead them all the way to promotion 
. The fans are all pumped up, and the team's confidence is sky-high 
. With the rise of smaller clubs like them, we're seeing a shift away from the traditional big clubs at the top of the pyramid. It's not just about having a big budget or a famous manager, but about creating a strong team culture and playing attractive football 
️. The Ogdens' takeover is also telling in that it highlights how family ownership can bring stability and investment to lower-league clubs 
and honestly who wouldn't be? 102 years in the efl is no joke!