Preview | Solihull Moors (H) - News

Rochdale AFC vs Solihull Moors | Vanarama National League, Saturday 17th February, Crown Oil Arena, 3pm Kick-Off

Dale are back at home this weekend, as we welcome Solihull Moors to the Crown Oil Arena.

Get ready for the game by reading all of the pre-match build-up below.

MATCHDAY GUIDE

Coming to Saturday’s game? Check out all of the information you need to make the most of your visit HERE.

TEAM NEWS

George Nevett and Adam Clayton made their returns from injury last weekend, whilst Kairo Mitchell started for Dale for the first time in 2024.

Cian Hayes also returned, making his second Dale debut. Like Mitchell, Hayes got 76 minutes in the tank as he continues his own journey back from injury.

All four could be in line for more minutes this weekend.

THE OPPOSITION

After being founded in 2007, due to the merging of Moor Green and Solihull Borough, The Moors spent nine seasons in the National League Conference North before being promoted as champions to the National League in 2016.

Since then, they've spent seven seasons in the Vanarama National League, with their highest two finishes coming in 2018/19 [2nd place] and 2021/22 [3rd place].

They narrowly missed out on securing a spot in the Football League in 2022 as they were beaten by Grimsby Town after extra time in the play-off final.

Andy Whing's men were in Isuzu FA Trophy action last time out, beating Chorley 3-1 to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

They were 3-1 winners again when they were last in league action, defeating FC Halifax Town at The Shay.

Solihull currently occupy fifth place in the league table, with 50 points after 31 games played.

Despite leaving The Moors at the start of this month to join AFC Wimbledon, Josh Kelly is still currently Solihull's top scorer with 13 goals. Mark Beck is second on the visitor's top scorers list for this season with eight goals to his name.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be only the second-ever meeting between the sides and the first one at the Crown Oil Arena.

The meeting earlier in the season at The ARMCO Arena ended 2-0 to The Moors with Jack Stevens and Josh Kelly on the scoresheet.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

Paul Marsden will be the referee for Saturday’s game. Marsden has refereed in the National League for the last four seasons, formerly officiating in League One and League Two before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alan Hull and Matthew Bacon are the assistant referees, with Luis Griffiths as the fourth official.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

All Dale fans, whether in the UK & Ireland or overseas, can watch the game live from home via the National League TV platform. Click HERE for full details.

There will also be live updates via the club’s official Twitter account.