Rochdale AFC fixtures released

Rochdale AFC

The fixtures for the upcoming 2010/11 season were released this morning (Thursday 17 June) and Rochdale will host Hartlepool United at Spotland on the first day of their League 1 campaign.

The season starts on Saturday 7 August and Dale travel to Oakwell 3 days later to face Championship side Barnsley for a midweek Carling Cup first round fixture before the long trek to Brighton for the first League 1 fixture away from home on Saturday 14 August.

The relegated teams from the Championship, Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough United visit Spotland on Saturday 25 September, Saturday 12 February and Saturday 30 April respectively.

This season's derby games with new rivals Oldham will be played at Spotland on Saturday 2 November, with the return at Boundary Park on Monday 3 January.

The Christmas fixtures start with a trip to last season's League 2 champions Notts County on Boxing Day, followed by the visit of Bristol Rovers to Spotland on Tuesday 28 December, with another home game against Tranmere Rovers on New Year’s Day.

Other games to look out for include those against sides recently relegated from the Premier League. Dale face Charlton Athletic at home on Saturday 4 December and travel to Southampton on Saturday 19 February.

The final match in 2011 sees supporters heading back down to the south coast to play AFC Bournemouth who finished 1 place above Dale in League 2 last season.