Carlisle United Football Club

With the planned Boxing Day game lost to Covid, this is the first time these teams have come together this season.

The Dale provided their fans with a pre-Christmas boost when they announced that popular midfielder Abraham Odoh had signed a new deal to remain at the club until the end of the 2022/23 season.

"I want to thank the manager for giving me this opportunity and I'm looking forward to progressing," Odoh told the club's website. "I like the football we play and I like the atmosphere around the club, and how we're all together."

Sadly, Abraham was subjected to racial abuse on one of his social media platforms just a fortnight before he penned his new deal - credit to everyone at Spotland for the swift manner in which they reacted to this abhorrent behaviour.

Dale had a busy January, but it was a departure that kicked things off when forward Jake Beesley left to head to Blackpool.

Midfielder Aaron Morley was next to go when he made the short hop to Bolton. That paved the way for some incomings, and striker Luke Charman arrived from Darlington for an undisclosed fee.

Defender Max Clark was released by Fleetwood, and he was snapped up, and forward Tahvon Campbell arrived from Woking the same day, again for an undisclosed fee. 

Another defensive option was added courtesy of Corey O'Keeffe, who had parted ways with Mansfield.

Pompey allowed defender Paul Downing to head north on a half-season loan, and the transfer window closed shortly after Solihull Moors midfielder James Ball was secured, with the fee once again kept under wraps.

Rochdale like a draw, they've had 12 in the league so far, and indeed their last three fixtures have all been stalemates. They've lost just once in five outings, so they're going to prove to be tough opposiiton.

Just the six league wins so far this campaign suggests a little bit of a hangover from last term's relegation, but there's quality in the squad and a determination from gaffer Robbie Stockdale that things will hit an upturn, and soon.

Tahvon Campbell is still very much settling in, but with 14 goals from 22 appearances for Woking he's joined Dale in a very rich vein of form, and brimming with confidence.

He started in the Oldham and Colchester games and was well received by the fans, as he worked hard to keep the opposition defences busy.

He's a handful, and certainly knows how to find the back of the net.

Click HERE to purchase an AUDIO match pass which will allow you to watch and listen to this game via our streaming iFollow service.

With match commentary provided by BBC Radio Cumbria, this is a fantastic way to follow your team through the season.

Match audio passes are available for ALL EFL league games - click HERE to find out more about this season’s iFollow United service.

These teams came together in the Carabao Cup in August 2019 down at Spotland. Jack Bridge scored a second half penalty for United, but Aaron Morley and Matty Done had already done the damage, and it wad the Dale who progressed.

Watch the highlights from that game here:

Referee - James Oldham
Assistant Referee 1 - Wayne Grunnill
Assistant Referee 2 - Chris Isherwood
Fourth Official - Tom Nield
Observer - Graham Salisbury

Our referee for this fixture is Mr James Oldham. James has taken charge of 21 games so far this season, showing 81 yellow cards and three reds.

He was the man in the middle for our Carabao Cup meeting with Sheffield United at Brammall Lane in August 2021. A solitary goal in the first half from Rhian Brewster was enough to win the tie for the hosts, and Jack Armer's was the only name taken on the night.

We saw James at Walsall in January 2021 where goals from Omari Patrick and Josh Kayode secured a 2-0 away win, with the game being completed just in the nick of time as snow started to fall. Aaron Hayden, Jack Armer and Taylor Charters were booked for the Blues.

Mr Oldham was in charge of our home game against Walsall in January 2020. Byron Webster, Stefan Scougall and Mike Jones had their names taken with no goals bagged.

He was at Brunton Park for his first ever Football League game as the man in the middle for our 2019/20 season opener against Crawley Town. Harry McKirdy and Stefan Scougall scored in the first half, either side of a net bulger from Beryly Lubula, and that was it for the goals as United claimed a 2-1 win. Byron Wesbter went in the book for the home side and Lewis Young was sent off late in the day for the Red Devils.

We saw Mr Oldham again for our first-round Emirates FA Cup meeting with Dulwich Hamlet in November 2019. Olufela Olomola, Harry McKirdy (2) and Mike Jones bagged for the Blues, and Byron Webster and Ryan Loft had their names taken as Carlisle recorded a 4-1 victory.

Mr Oldham ended his time as an official with the National League at Wembley with the play-off final between Salford City and AFC Fylde in May 2019.

We have received an initial allocation of 605 tickets for this fixture. 

Prices

Any supporters who are in possession of a concession ticket on a match day who are not believed to qualify for the relevant concession will be directed to Rochdale's ticket office to pay the upgrade amount. Therefore, it is suggested that all concessions bring proof of their qualification for a concession ticket.

Rochdale operate a barcode entrance, there are no cash turnstiles in operation on a match day.

Rochdale do not duplicate any tickets that are lost, stolen or damaged.

Disabled info

Ambulant disabled and wheelchair user supporters pay the relevant price with the carer free of charge. These can be purchased through Carlisle United.

Dates of sale 

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Methods of purchase: