Rochdale AFC to Host Oldham Athletic in League Two Derby on 19 September

Rochdale secured a vital 2-0 victory against Oldham Athletic in a League Two derby match at the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday, September 19, 2026. This win marked a significant turnaround for Rochdale, who had faced criticism following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Gillingham in their previous home game.

Dan Moss opened the scoring for Rochdale in the seventh minute, easing the tension among the home supporters. Dajaune Brown doubled the lead in the 62nd minute, ensuring the team secured all three points. The victory lifted Rochdale off the foot of the League Two table, providing a much-needed boost to the players and fans alike.

Manager Ian Watson expressed pride in his team's ability to adapt to the pressures of a derby match. He noted, "Derby days bring a lot of tension and nerves... but I thought we adapted and found a way to win the game well. Today was just about getting a result for the fans and for the club." Watson acknowledged that while the performance was not perfect, the result was paramount in restoring confidence within the club.

Oldham manager Micky Mellon, on the other hand, expressed disappointment with his team's performance, stating, "I take full responsibility for it... we missed a significant number of opportunities, and some of them were hard to believe." The loss left Oldham fans frustrated, as the team failed to capitalise on several chances throughout the match.