Words Charlie Staples | Pictures Jonathan Moore

Our festive schedule begins on Friday evening with the visit of Enterprise National League leaders Rochdale to The J.Davidson Stadium (7:45pm).

Neil Gibson's men are looking to bounce back with a fourth straight home win after two difficult away outings to start December - with defeats at both Aldershot Town and AFC Telford United.

The Opposition

Local rivals Rochdale currently sit top of the pile in the Enterprise National League, level on points with both Forest Green Rovers and Carlisle United, but with a superior goal difference. 

The Dale have impressed this season under manager Jimmy McNulty, winning 15, drawing one and losing just three of their 19 matches in league play.

One of our visitors' key players is top scorer Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, who has hit 12 goals this campaign after joining from league rivals Hartlepool United in the summer.

Hear It From The Gaffer

"Rochdale offer us a real challenge, being top of the league at this stage of the season.

"However, our home form has been really strong and with the large, vocal home support behind us we have to go into the game in a positive manner and look to begin the festive period with a good result."

Match Sponsors

The first of TWO main match sponsors for this game is Manchester Bites. We thank them for their support and hope they have a great time as our guests in The John King Lounge.

Our second match sponsor for Friday evening is R.H.Morris & Sons. Thank you for the backing this festive season.

We welcome GladiBet to the game as our Match Ball sponsor. We thank them for the supporting the football club and tonight's game.

Phoebe's Challenge

Along with Altrincham FC Community Sports we're helping to raise money to help local schoolgirl Phoebe receive potentially lifesaving treatment for a rare form of liver cancer.

To donate to the cause click here or bring some change with you to the game.

General admission for Friday's game is now only available to home fans online here and on the day via our cash turnstiles. 

• Adults £22
• 65+/NHS/Students £17
• 18-21s £13
• 12-17s £10
• Accompanied 5-11s £5
• Accompanied u5s £2

All away end tickets have been sold and any visiting fans entering the home sections of the stadium will be ejected without a refund.

The John King Lounge is completely SOLD OUT for this game, and has been for over two months. If you're looking for hospitality over Christmas and New Year we have a limited number available for the visits of York City (Dec 30th) and Morecambe (Jan 3rd) - simply click here to book your spot.

Match Night at The J.Davidson Stadium

The CSH Bar will be open earlier than normal at 5:30pm - with entry for season ticket holders and online home ticket holders only via the Golf Road turnstiles.

From 5:45pm you'll be able to put your questions to Mark Luby, Sam Mackenzie, John Coyne and Phil Adams in an informal setting while enjoying a pre-match drink. There will also be the chance to bid on Kahrel Reddin's game-worn shirt from the win at Truro City in early November.

The rest of the turnstiles will open at 6:30pm, with the Fan Zone, CSH Bar and Club Shop all welcoming home supporters beyond the full-time whistle.

This week's beer offering in the Fan Zone will feature our regulars from Titanic (Two:20), Pomona Island (Factotum & Tannhauser Gate) and Sureshot (TV Highlight of the Week & Milson) plus Hogan's Original Draught Cider.

We will also have the latest issue of Robins Review on sale, with an in-depth feature on the gaffer Neil Gibson - grab your copy from sellers around the ground or from the club shop for just £3.50.

You'll also be able to grab a copy from the club shop. Visit Gem and her team for all those last minute Christmas gifts.

Security on Matchdays

Working closely with our stewarding team, and in consultation with Greater Manchester Police, we are carrying out screening procedures to prevent potential weapons or prohibited items from entering the ground. These checks are now becoming common practice at football stadiums across the country and are part of our shared responsibility to protect each other.

The introduction of Martyn’s Law (Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025) has also placed greater emphasis on the legal duty of venues like ours to assess risks and have robust safety plans in place. While much of this reflects what we already do, it reinforces the need for vigilance and preparation in today’s world.

We completely understand that supporters may sometimes feel these checks go too far. However, we want to be clear: safety will always come first. Our goal is to provide the best possible matchday experience in a safe and welcoming environment for all.

On behalf of the club, thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support as we put these important measures into practice.

Can't Make The Game?

We'll have full match commentary from Radio Robins on Radio Alty from around 7:30pm live from The J.Davidson Stadium - join Alex Sarwar and Jack Worswick for all the action.

If you can't make the game in person but want to watch the action simply head for the National League's broadcast partner DAZN for full subscription details here.

Come On You Robins!!!