City and Rochdale’s Title Race: Analyzing Their Final Five Matches

Two clubs head into the closing weeks with everything to play for. Rochdale hold a three-point lead over York City at the top of the National League. York, however, carry a superior goal difference and a realistic shot at overtaking their rivals.

In analyzing City and Rochdale’s title race, attention falls on the remaining fixtures. Each side has five matches left. The season finishes with a direct meeting at the Crown Oil Arena on April 25.

April 3

York travel to Boston United to begin their final five matches. Boston sit mid-table in 14th and have little to play for, but York have struggled there historically.

Rochdale host Morecambe on the same day. Morecambe sit second from bottom on 34 points and are eight points adrift of safety with five games remaining.

April 6

Rochdale make the short trip to Hartlepool United on Bank Holiday Monday. Hartlepool suffered a 7-0 defeat to Wealdstone midweek, a result that weakened their play-off hopes.

York welcome Altrincham to the LNER Community Stadium. The Minstermen have won only once in their last ten meetings with Altrincham. That solitary victory came in December via Ollie Pearce’s late winner.

April 11

York travel to Tamworth in the early kick-off. Tamworth remain in contention for a surprise play-off push but are 11 points behind the spots. York beat Tamworth 4-0 last September.

Rochdale face Wealdstone in a late kick-off. Gary Waddock’s side have improved under his management and reached the Isuzu FA Trophy final. Wealdstone also delivered a 7-0 victory over Hartlepool recently.

April 18

Rochdale travel to Braintree Town on the penultimate Saturday. Braintree are fighting to avoid relegation and have managed only one win in their last 11 matches, a 3-2 win at Truro City.

York host Yeovil Town in their final home match of the season. York have won their last five meetings with Yeovil, including a 3-1 victory earlier this campaign.

April 25 — Final Day

The title race could come down to the final day meeting at the Crown Oil Arena. Kick-off is scheduled for 12.30pm. Rochdale and York are separated by three points heading into the decisive fixture.

York have performed well against Rochdale this season. The Minstermen beat Rochdale 2-1 at the Crown Oil Arena in October, then won 4-1 in the league a month later. Since Rochdale’s drop to this level in 2023, they have taken just one league win over York and beaten the Minstermen once in their last ten meetings.

What to watch

• Rochdale’s three-point advantage and ability to maintain form on the road.
• York’s stronger goal difference and head-to-head wins over Rochdale.
• How fixtures against struggling sides affect momentum for both teams.

A sold-out crowd is expected at the Crown Oil Arena. With such fine margins between the clubs, form, fitness and nerves could decide promotion. Filmogaz.com will continue to follow every twist in the run-in.