Match Preview | Rochdale v Barnet FC

Barnet travel to Rochdale and will attempt to stay league leaders for another week.

So, what’s the Buzz?
Eight games into the season and Barnet are top of the league, on 19 points. A home win against Altrincham last Saturday highlighted just how Dean Brennan wants the team to play, with the only criticism being the scoreline was only 3-0. Chances galore led to goals from Zak Brunt, Nicke Kabamba, and the man in form, Danny Collinge. Can the Bees do it again on the road tomorrow? We certainly hope so.

Club Profile
Club Name: Rochdale Association Football Club
Nickname: The Dale
Founded: 1907
Ground: Crown Oil Arena
Manager: Jimmy McNulty
League Position: 10th
Form: WDWLD

Opposition Report:
Sat on 11 points, Rochdale will be out to turn their form around and get into a playoff spot, having been relegated from League Two with a 24th-placed finish last year, making it the first time in the club’s history to playing the National League.
Tyrese Sinclair is an important player who they will look to for goals tomorrow- Sinclair has already scored five this season.

Barnet will need to be wary of the opposition even if in the lead. Rochdale’s last game saw them scrape a 1-1 draw against Kidderminster Harriers with a late equaliser. They didn’t stop there, and scored another in injury time, but it was ruled out for offside.

One to Watch: Jesurun Uchegbulam
Set to make his home debut for Rochdale on Saturday after signing from Chesterfield last month, Uchegbulam originally played academy football at AC Milan’s academy.

The Nigerian winger was largely used as an impact substitute during his time at Chesterfield, and will be hungry to show why he deserves more minutes at Rochdale this season.

In the Dugout: Jimmy McNulty
One of the youngest managers in the league at 38 years old, McNulty made 197 appearances for The Dale in his playing career. He also played for Brighton, as well as making appearances for Scotland’s u19s.

After retiring at Rochdale, he went on to become the club’s manager in August 2022 and March 2023 as interim, before being given the permanent role after the club’s relegation from League Two in May.