npower League Two: Rochdale v Accrington Stanley
The Crown Ground, October 6th, 3pm kick-off
Manager John Coleman and his Assistant Jimmy Bell will return to the Crown Ground on Saturday to face Accrington Stanley, a club where they spent 13-years of their managerial career.
Coleman and Bell departed the Crown Ground for Spotland in January, and this weekend’s League Two fixture will see them return to their former club for the first time since moving to Rochdale
Dale go in search of their fourth consecutive away victory following wins on the road against AFC Wimbledon, Rotherham United and Gillingham and will be aiming to extend their unbeaten league run to five matches.
Accrington, who had their match at home to Rotherham postponed on Tuesday evening, sit a point and a place above Rochdale in the table and have a game in hand due to the mid-week call off.
Manager John Coleman has no fresh injury worries ahead of the encounter but will be without striker Bobby Grant who will miss the trip to his former club through suspension. Saturday marks the first of a three match ban for Grant following his sending off against Bradford on Tuesday night.
Michael Liddle is suspended for Accrington, while Charlie Barnett remains sidelined through injury. Midfielder Danny Schofield who was ineligible to play in Tuesday’s postponed match against his parent club is available for selection.
Match officials
Referee – Christopher Foy
Assistant referees – Simon Long and Kevin Mattocks
Fourth Officials – Scott Mathieson
Last meeting
Saturday, March 20th 2010: Accrington Stanley 2-4 Rochdale
The last time the two sides met was during Rochdale’s promotion season. Dale found themselves trailing at the Crown Ground after goals from Michael Symes and John Miles gave Accrington a two goal lead. Four second half goals, including a wonder strike from the half way line from Kallum Higginbotham saw Dale secure the three points.