Rochdale entertain Southend United this evening
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Dale v Shrimpers: Spotland Set for Playoff Tension as Rochdale and Southend Square Off
National League Playoff Eliminator | Thursday 15 May 2025 | Spotland Stadium | Kick-off: 7:45pm (UK time)
High Stakes in the North West as Promotion Dream Enters Knockout Mode
The road to the National League semi-finals takes a dramatic turn this Thursday evening as Rochdale welcome Southend United to Spotland Stadium in a one-off eliminator clash. With a coveted trip to Forest Green Rovers hanging in the balance for the victors, there’s no room for error in this do-or-die playoff tie.
After contrasting seasons and different routes into the playoffs, both sides will believe they have what it takes to extend their campaign by at least one more match. But with tensions high and history looming large, it’s sure to be a contest fraught with nerves, needle and – for punters – no shortage of free bet bonus potential.
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Rochdale Rebuild Takes Shape – Can They Go All the Way?
Rochdale’s first season outside the Football League in over a century saw them navigate the ups and downs of National League life with a quiet sense of determination. Under Jimmy McNulty, Dale finished in a respectable fourth place, ending the regular season with 74 points from a campaign defined by bursts of quality and the odd wobble.
Their final match – a 2-0 defeat at Braintree – was little more than a glorified training exercise, with McNulty taking the opportunity to rest key players and ease others back into the fold. The manager admitted as much, stating that the “fundamental priorities” were recovery and readiness ahead of what he described as an “exciting” challenge on home soil.
And there’s every reason to be confident at Spotland. Three wins from their last four home games have been accompanied by 13 goals scored and just one conceded, making their stadium something of a fortress when it matters most.
Southend Resilience Rewarded With Playoff Place
While Rochdale’s return to form has been steady, Southend United’s journey to the playoffs has been nothing short of miraculous. Beset by financial uncertainty, a transfer embargo, and a turbulent first half of the campaign, few would have predicted that Kevin Maher’s side would finish in the top seven.
Yet here they are – seventh place secured with a gritty draw against Gateshead on the final day, maintaining a 17-game spell with just two defeats. That includes an ongoing run of four consecutive clean sheets and over 360 minutes without conceding a goal.
While their away form has been a little patchier – just two wins in their last nine on the road – they remain stubborn, hard to break down, and buoyed by their dramatic rise from 15th place in January. And if that wasn’t enough, they’ve already won at Spotland this season, grinding out a narrow 1-0 win in the reverse fixture.
For those who like an underdog story – or simply think penalties are on the cards – this one has ‘free bet’ drama written all over it.
Team News – Dale Duo Back, Shrimpers Stick to Formula
Rochdale were handed a boost last weekend as Liam Hogan and Ryan East returned from injury. Hogan featured in the second half against Braintree, while East played just over an hour, and both are expected to be involved again on Thursday.
McNulty is set to go strong with his team selection, including the in-form Devante Rodney, who has 17 goals to his name this season. Club icon Ian Henderson, who continues to defy the years at 40, could also be handed a role in attack, offering experience and instinct in equal measure.
Expect to see Louie Moulden replaced in goal by Jake Barrett, while the back three of Max Taylor, Sam Graham, and Kwaku Oduroh are likely to feature in front of him. Cian Hayes and Liam Gordon will look to provide the width, with George Nevett, George Gilmour, and Toby Barlow marshalling the midfield. Henderson and Rodney should spearhead the front line, supported by Jesurun Uchegbulam if needed.
Southend, meanwhile, are dealing with a couple of key absentees. James Golding and Adam Crowther remain sidelined with long-term injuries, meaning Kevin Maher will once again rely on the ever-consistent Nicholas Hayes in goal.
Gus Scott-Morriss, who’s rather astonishingly Southend’s top scorer from right-back with 17 goals, will be one to watch as always. He’ll join a back line alongside Dan Taylor, Kacper Łopata, and Nathan Ralph, while Jack Bridge, Ollie Coker, Ollie Kensdale, and Noor Husin will provide a mix of creativity and grit in midfield. Up front, Charley Kendall and Tom Hopper will be tasked with troubling Rochdale’s defence and converting any half-chance that falls their way.
Predicted Lineups
Rochdale XI:
Barrett in goal, with a back three of Gordon, Ebanks-Landell, and Beckwith. Adebayo-Rowling and Gordon to provide width, while Barlow, Gilmour, and Allarakhia occupy the midfield. Henderson and Rodney should lead the line, with Ayinde possibly operating just behind them.
Southend United XI:
Hayes to retain his spot between the sticks, shielded by Scott-Morriss, Taylor, Goodliffe, and Ralph. Bridge and Husin will anchor the flanks, while Coker and Appiah-Forson add control in central areas. Kendall and Hopper are expected to form the front two.
Prediction – Extra Time Looms in Tight Playoff Affair
With both sides enjoying solid form and plenty of reasons to believe, this one is incredibly difficult to call. Rochdale’s attacking options and home record might tip the balance in their favour, but Southend’s defensive resilience and playoff momentum shouldn’t be underestimated.
The two sides are well-matched, and don’t be surprised if this goes the distance. A cagey draw after 90 minutes could give way to extra time – or even penalties – where nerves will take centre stage.
Prediction: Rochdale 1-1 Southend United (Southend to win on penalties)
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