First outing for Dale at Tractor Boys
ROCHDALE picked up their first League One point of the season last weekend when they drew 0-0 with Portsmouth. This week they travel to top of the league Ipswich Town, who are yet to concede a goal.
Rochdale’s only previous meeting with was last season’s 1-0 home defeat – they have never met at Portman Road.
Accrington Stanley suffered defeat to the hands of Burton Albion for the second time this month last weekend, having already been edged out in the Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out a few weeks ago. This weekend they face an Oxford United side who are winless, goalless and bottom of League One going into the third round of fixtures. Accrington will look to bounce straight back after their first defeat of the season.
Wigan Athletic, who are unsurprisingly without a victory in their first two matches face a Portsmouth side with two draws, one recently against fellow Greater Manchester side Rochdale last Sunday. Portsmouth are unbeaten in last four matches against Latics.
Moving on to League Two. Bolton Wanderers are struggling to adapt to life in League Two, with a huge squad overall in the summer and form in recent weeks not going as predicted. Bolton will be hoping to get their season up and running with a tricky home match against unbeaten Newport County.
Oldham Athletic, are starting another season in turmoil following a promising pre-season. Without a win so far, new boss Harry Kewell is struggling for goals and wins to date. A home game against Crawley Town is a must-win to dampen down the impending social media explosion.
Graham Alexander’s side impressively seen off Grimsby Town 4-0 to get their first three points of the season on the board. Salford City host Forest Green Rovers, a team they have only faced twice before; winning one and losing one last season.
Into Non-League and the Northern Premier finally got underway this weekend. The Football Manc Cave attended the Trafford v Tadcaster Albion draw.
If you are at loose end this weekend Ashton United entertain Bamber Bridge, FC United host Scarborough Athletic, Hyde United are at home to South Shields and Radcliffe welcome Witton Albion. All great sides to watch. Atherton Collieries travel to Grantham Town and Stalybridge Celtic go to Nantwich Town. This is a really exciting league for our Greater Manchester sides and many look like they could have impressive seasons.
The Northern Premier league west division also started last weekend. Mossley are the only team to play in the league this weekend as they look to continue their impressive form as they host Pickering Town. Ramsbottom United are in FA Trophy action in their first-round qualifying tie against Ossett United.
Stockport County doesn’t have a game this weekend following an impressive 5-1 win against Guiseley last time out, extending their unbeaten preseason to four games. Altrincham host Flyde on Saturday as they step up preparations for their first time back in the National League since 2016.
The sole National League North side Curzon Ashton face a final pre-season game at home to Halifax Town. Following an indifferent preseason, Steve Cunnigham will be hoping to sign off with a win.
The Football Manc Cave will be down at one these matches this weekend and we urge you to get down and support your local club. There is some fantastic young and exciting to watch teams in our nonleague this season