Foot In The Opposition Camp – Rochdale (Away)
2025-10-18
It’s a toughie today. Yeovil head to Spotland to face top of the table Rochdale. Could they? Ben’s caught up with Charlotte from The Dale Way podcast to get the low down on the hosts.
Match Preview: Rochdale vs Yeovil Town
2025-10-17
After a disappointing result in the FA Cup, it’s back to league action for Yeovil as they travel to league leaders Rochdale on Saturday.
FORM…
YEOVIL TOWN
Consistency remains a major issue for the Glovers this season, both on and off the pitch. Since Richard Dryden was reappointed as manager, the team has shown a real Jekyll and Hyde form. The first three games under Dryden’s leadership featured strong performances and promising results that fans could support, however, in the two matches since the team has looked lacklustre, and the results have reflected that.
The 3-0 home defeat to Boreham Wood was understandable given their opponents strong start to life back in the National League Premier Division status as one of the league’s top sides. But the recent defeat to lower-league Hemel Hempstead was far more concerning. The Glovers looked devoid of confidence. While the Tudors played well, Yeovil were equally poor, leaving travelling fans frustrated after the 2–1 loss and another early exit from the FA Cup at the fourth qualifying round stage.
The only positive was Harvey Greenslade getting back on the scoresheet with a 71st-minute equaliser. Hemel had opened the scoring through Kyle Ajayi and sealed the win three minutes from time when Finley Wilkinson found the net.
Rochdale A.F.C
Dale were also knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend, but their defeat came against much tougher opposition in York City (with no disrespect to Hemel Hempstead). Like Yeovil’s match, York took the lead before Dale equalised in the 72nd minute through top scorer Emmanuel Dieseruvwe. However, York struck again in the final minute to end Rochdale’s hopes of progressing.
Outside the Cup, things have gone well for the Greater Manchester side. They’ve lost just one of their last five league matches—a defeat to FC Halifax Town, and only their second of the season, the other coming at Brackley Town at the end of August.
Rochdale currently sit top of the league and remain the only side without a draw this season. That means if the Glovers can come away with even a point, it would be seen as a good result.
KEY PLAYERS…
YEOVIL TOWN – LUKE McCORMICK
We’ll be honest it was tough pick this week, with no players really showing any form as of late. But looking back to when we three on the bounce McCormick was one of the real stars of the show.
The midfielder controlled the games, sat back when needed to but also helped out in the attacking third as well. It was the Aldershot game that really caught my attention though, as he grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, along with others and brought some joy at a time of need for fans.
Since then he has seemed quiet, and we need his tenacity back if were going to get results. Maybe it’s all the football he is playing catching up with, as he hasn’t missed a minute of football since the Braintree game. Which is indicative of the whole squad, some more players to help rotation in the middle of park could be beneficial to making McCormick tick again.
ROCHDALE – ETHAN EBANKS-LANDELL
This was also a hard choice but for different reasons, do we go for experience and leadership or goalscoring prowess, an we’ve gone for the former. Ebanks-Landell has been a stalwart football league defender for the majority of his career, amassing 286 appearances in the EFL.
Now in the latter years of his career, the centre-back has found a home in the North West. Having joined Rochdale from Shrewbury in the summer of 2022, he has been a leader for Dale. As well as controlling the defensive line, he has become captain which has no doubt contributed to Dale’s success this season.
In fact the two games where he hasn’t played a big part in Rochdale lost both. First against Brackley, where he didn’t feature at all, his side lost 2-1. The second loss was to Halifax, where the 32-year-old played a total of 20 minutes. Maybe the Glovers will have to get him off the pitch if they stand a chance of winning.
THE GAFFER…
Jim McNulty will be in the home dug-out at Spotland on Saturday. A true Rochdale stalwart, McNulty has spent most of his recent footballing life at Spotland. After a solid playing career in the lower leagues with clubs like Brighton, Tranmere, and Barnsley, the Scouser joined Dale in 2015.
He spent eight years as a player at the club before retiring and moving into coaching. As part of the backroom staff, McNulty was involved during a difficult period that saw Rochdale relegated from the Football League in 2023—for the first time in 102 years.
After two short stints as caretaker, Rochdale’s ownership took a chance on their former defender and appointed him as permanent manager. Since then, the 40-year-old has built a strong side aiming for a return to the EFL this season. His record against Yeovil so far? Two wins from two.
LAST TIME WE MET…
Rochdale took all three points the last time the sides met in January, handing Yeovil a heavy 4–0 defeat. Goals from Devante Rodney, Kairo Mitchell, Leon Ayinde, and Jake Burger punished the Glovers in a game most fans will want to forget.
Their last meeting in Somerset also ended in a Dale win, though by a much narrower margin. It was a fairly even contest until Conor McBride struck in the 90th minute to snatch a 1–0 victory and take the points back to Greater Manchester.
DON’T I KNOW YOU…
Dan Moss will be a familiar name to Glovers fans. The right-back spent the first half of the 2021/22 season at Huish Park, making 23 appearances during his five-month loan spell. Now 24, he will face his old side.
Glovers’ defender Kyle Ferguson is a name the home fans will recognise. The defender made 25 appearances for Rochdale before making the switch to Yeovil.
THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…
Jamie O’Connor is the referee taking charge of today’s game in Greater Manchester. Read Ben’s preview of the man in black – here.
MOTM Result – Hemel Hempstead (A)
2025-10-17
Sorry to bring this one up again, but in the interest of fairness and consistency, we have to.
Harvey Greenslade has been given the nod as your Man of the Match following his goal scoring contribution off the bench in the FA Cup defeat to Hemel Hemsptead.
Byron Pendleton makes his first appearance on the table and as has become customary, Jed Ward is on there too.
Scunthorpe Tickets On Sale
2025-10-17
For those of you heading to Scunthorpe United on Saturday 8th November, tickets are now on Sale.
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS
Yeovil fans will be situated in the AMS Stand behind one of the goals and will enter the ground via turnstiles 6 and 7.
As with other clubs, it’s a simple log in and register process to buy tickets in advance.
Tickets are prices as follows, please note that despite Under 12s being FREE (hat-tip to Scunny), a ticket must still be ‘purchased’.
Tickets for other areas of the stadium do go up £2 on match days, but we can find no reference of that for the away end, but please don’t be shocked if you’re asked for £22 rather than £20 on the day.
CAR PARKING
Post code: DN15 8TD.
Over 600 spaces are available for both home and away fans within the stadium complex priced at £5 per car. You can make a £1 saving by booking in advance via sufctickets.com. The local retail parks operate restrictions on a match day. If you would like to book your coach in for entry please call 01724 747670.
Disabled parking: Free to blue badge holders on a first come, first served basis on a matchday. These spaces in the East Car Park can also be reserved in advance by calling the ticket office during opening hours on 01724 747670 or email sufctickets@scunthorpe-united.co.uk with your request and copy of blue badge.
FLAGS AND INSTRUMENTS
You need to be granted permission to bring large flags and instruments into Glanford Park for a match. To submit your request, please email martin.hopper@scunthorpe-united.co.uk no later than 48 hours before the game.
Dryden: We have to work hard or it’s going to be a tough day
2025-10-16
Yeovil Town manager Richard Dryden has admitted his side will need to put the effort in if they are going to get anything from this weekend’s trip to leaders Rochdale.
The Greater Manchester side are a point clear at the top of the National League Premier Division, having played two games less than second-placed Forest Green Rovers, going in to the weekend.
The Glovers are looking to bounce back after their FA Cup exit at the hands of lower league Hemel Hempstead Town in last weekend’s fourth qualifying round tie.
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins on Thursday, Dryden said: “Jim (McNulty, the Rochdale manager) has got the blueprint bang on, this has not been a one season wonder, he has built this squad up over the last three or four years and they have progressed.
“They are a top side and they are going to cause us problems, we have to defend well and run really hard to get a foothold in the game. If we don’t run hard and work hard, it is going to be a tough day for us.”
The boss was speaking ahead of the announcements of new signings full-backs George Nurse, on a one-month loan deal from Shrewsbury Town, and experienced right-back Michee Efete, who has been without a club since his release from Scottish side Ross County in the summer.
Dryden said that midfielder Brett McGavin “might struggle a little bit” to be ready to start at the weekend, but he expected the majority of the rest of his squad to be available for the match.
Yeovil are looking for a response after a 3-0 home defeat in their last league outing against Boreham Wood, but the manager said he believed they could recapture the form which saw them win three consecutive matches after the shock exit of manager Danny Webb.
He added: “The first three games (after I took over) were brilliant and those came in six days with a squad which was small but was eager to please and work hard and they did that. We blew up a bit against Boreham Wood, the FA Cup has come and gone which was a big blow. The highs and lows of football, there is probably 20% of real rubbish, 75% of alright stuff and 5% of great stuff, and we need more of that 5% at the moment. We had a great month last month, this is a tough one and we have to get in to it and get as many points on the board as we can.“
Efete becomes second signing of the day
2025-10-16
Yeovil Town have signed their second full-back signing of the day with the arrival of Michee Efete on a deal until the end of the season.
The right-back follows the arrival of left-back George Nurse, who was signed on a one-month loan from Shrewsbury Town earlier in the day, and will be available for Saturday’s trip to National League Premier Division leaders Rochdale.
The 28-year-old most recently played for Ross County in the Scottish Premiership and made 28 appearances for the Highlands club last season. He was released in June.
Speaking about his arrival, Glovers’ boss Richard Dryden said: “Michee’s a player with great pedigree at this level. He’s athletic, reliable, and brings a fantastic attitude. He knows what it takes to succeed in this league, and he’ll be an excellent addition for us.“
He joined Ross County midway through the 2023-24 season which he started in League Two at Grimsby Town where he won promotion from the National League in 2022. He previously played for Wealdstone and had loan spells at Torquay United and Bath City whilst in the academy at Norwich City.
Nurse joins Glovers on loan
2025-10-16
Left back George Nurse has joined Yeovil Town on a one-month loan deal League Two strugglers Shrewsbury Town.
The 26-year-old has made five appearances for his parent club this season and arrives as cover following a shoulder injury to loanee James Plant.
His deal is described as being “initially for one month” suggesting his stay may be extended.
Speaking following the arrival, Glovers’ manager Richard Dryden said: “George is a fantastic addition for us. He’s got real quality, great experience, and that bit of athleticism that can make a big difference at both ends of the pitch. This move gives us important cover while James Plant continues his recovery, and we’re delighted to have George with us initially for the month.”
The Bristol City academy product made more than 20 appearances as Shrewsbury were relegated from League One last season and previously had loan spells at Newport County and Walsall during his time at Ashton Gate before leaving in 2021.
He arrives with Yeovil preparing for a trip to National League Premier Division leaders Rochdale this weekend.
Match Officials – Rochdale (A)
2025-10-16
Jamie O’Connor is the lucky little so and so that gets to referee Yeovil Town’s trip to Rochdale this coming Saturday.
We’ve only had the pleasure of his company once in his career, a rather disastrous 1-1 draw against Halifax in 2022/23.
Both Lawson D’ath and Edwin Agbaje suffered season ending injuries, Matt Worthington picked up a suspension-confirming yellow card and only a scrappy Malachi Linton goal gave the Glovers anything to shout about.
He did book Halifax defender Jamie Stott for … “encouraging” Agbaje over the advertising hoardings.
He’s a very experienced referee and has been used far more in the EFL than the National League this season,
In 10 games this season, he’s dished out 27 yellows and two red cards.
He will be assisted by Zharir Mustafa and Martin Parker, Ben Robinson is the fourth official.
Rochdale AFC (First Team) v Yeovil Town FC (First Team)
National League – Premier
Referee: O’Connor, Jamie
Assistant Referee: Mustafa, Zharir
Assistant Referee: Parker, Martin
Fourth Official: Robinson, Ben
YeoGov Tracker: October 2025
2025-10-15
September was crazy wasn’t it?
Here’s how the results went, but that doesn’t begin to tell the story.
| September | ||
| 02.09.25 | Solihull Moors | 1-0 |
| 06.09.25 | York City | 1-3 |
| 13.09.25 | Woking | 1-0 |
| 20.09.25 | Tamworth | 0-1 |
| 24.09.25 | Aldershot Town | 4-1 |
| 27.09.25 | Altrincham | 1-0 |
| 30.09.25 | Sutton United | 2-1 |
Danny Webb was named Yeovil manager on the 12th, taking charge on Tamworth on the 20th before his departure was announced on the 22nd with Richard Dryden being appointed as manager until the end of the season.
Fill out the tracker below.
Five Conclusions: Hemel Hempstead Town 2 Yeovil Town 1
2025-10-12
Yeovil Town’s FA Cup dream came to a premature end at the first hurdle for the second successive season yesterday. The Glovers were beaten by a Hemel Hempstead Town side which played for more than an hour with ten men. Dave was among the travelling contingent and here are his conclusions.
Out fought. Out thought. Out. We were simply second best in every department and I have to say right off the bat that Hemel deserved their win. From the opening whistle, they simply wanted it more and we never seemed to have a plan to counter them. You can put a misplaced pass or a scuffed shot down to the surface, but time and again we were pulled apart and gave them time and space to run. At the risk of sounding like the old man (I know, I am), but I miss us the Cup giving our players the hunger and desire I saw from Hemel.
Are we sure they had ten men? An extension on Conclusion #1, but two occasions in the second half I had to count Hemel’s players to be sure. Aside from a few moments around the time we scored, they never looked like they were a man down. You can see why they are in the form they are in the National League South. Defensively they were outstanding and we simply could not find a way through.
Where did our desire to attack go? If I had not seen highlights of the games at Aldershot and Sutton, I would have believed they were AI inventions. In the first half, it was only when Andrew Oluwabori got on the ball that we ever had any purpose going forward and in the second only when Byron Pendleton came on did we look to get balls in from wide positions. There is quality going forward in this team, but we simply did not show it.
What are we doing here? Hearing Richard Dryden say we had tried and failed to attract players to strengthen the squad is a major red flag. But should we be surprised? We’ve heard about ‘The 3 Cs’ from our owners -calmness, competitiveness, community, in case you forgot. But it’s not easy to stay calm with no obvious plan about how we’re going to be competitive. A manager who feels stop gap no matter how much we’re told he’s not, players signing on 12-month deals, what are we selling people here? It feels like we’re living hand to mouth waiting for……what?
Rochdale next. Gulp. Next up, top of the league Rochdale away from home. That one speaks for itself. Another clear week, another chance to take a breath and I hope the pain we all feel – and yes I include the team, they must feel it – gets a reaction.