The only all-National League clash in the FA Trophy sees Rochdale host Altrincham at Spotland.
Dale have faltered in recent weeks and now sits tenth in the league after failing to win any of their last six games. They are six points off Saturday’s opponents with two games in hand so the destiny is in their hands, but recent worries will worry the Rochdale faithful.
One thing Jimmy McNulty can take solace in is his side's defensive record. Only third-place Forest Green have conceded fewer than their 28. However, only Yeovil have scored fewer goals in the top 14 of the league, with Kairo Mitchell (13 goals) and Devante Rodney (9 goals) doing the heavy lifting in the goalscoring department.
Dale have beaten National League North side Leamington (0-2), Northern Premier League side Stockton on penalties and National League South side Worthing (1-2) to reach the quarter-finals. Rochdale have never won this tournament, but are only playing in non-league for the second-ever time in their history.
Altrincham have lost just once in their last nine games as they have progressed into the top seven, chasing promotion to the Football League for the first time. Alty, like Rochdale, boast a strong defence, conceding just 38 goals. However, Phil Parkinson’s side are also strong in attack, scoring 53 goals – the fourth most in the league. In Regan Linney, the Robins have one of the most potent forwards in the league. The 27-year-old is the second top scorer with 18 goals.
Parkinson’s side scraped past Macclesfield on penalties, league leaders Barnet 3-1 and Eastleigh 1-0 but are faced with their first away trip of the tournament. They must overcome local rivals Rochdale if they are to have a chance to add to their triumphs in 1980 and 1981.
Score Prediction: Rochdale 1-2 Altrincham
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