x

Dale on Wembley trail this weekend with JPT draw

The draw for round two of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will take place this weekend. Our name is in the hat, yet we're not sure quite what hat we'll actually be in.

The draw will take place on Soccer AM as has been the case over the past years, with their hi-tech playing cards draw. However, there's a slight question mark as to what is going on.

As is always the case, the Johnstone's Paint Trophy is regionalised with one half of the draw being Northern and the other half being Southern. But for the first two rounds, the draw is split up even further, with there being a North West section and a North East section.

Looking at the teams who have made it through into round two, we could have a bit of a problem: Chester, Oldham, Morecambe, Dale, Bury, Wrexham/Macc, Carlisle, Port Vale, Stockport, Grimsby, Leeds, Lincoln, Doncaster, Darlington, Hartlepool and Rotherham.

There are nine teams on there which fall this side of the Pennines and seven sides which fall on the other side, meaning one side will have to enter the North East section. Out of the nine North Western sides, it's arguable that we are the most Easterly out of them (are we more Eastern than Oldham?) and could find ourselves in the North East section, though there'll be no need for everyone to go out wearing nothing but a T-Shirt and calling everyone Pet.

So depending on where the FL bosses stick us, we could find ourselves having a regionalised game against any of Grimsby, Leeds, Lincoln, Doncaster, Darlington, Hartlepool or Rotherham.

From Round Three onwards, it reverts to simply being a Northern draw.

What to read next:

Refwatch - Leamington v Rochdale (FA Trophy)
Dale’s FA Trophy third round tie at Leamington on Saturday will be refereed by NIALL SMITH.
Supporter Coaches For Accrington Home Games
Our friends at Twisted Mule and Mill About are looking to provide supporter coaches for the two home games being played at Accrington Stanley while our pitch is being reconstructed.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Southend United
Dale’s rearranged game at home to Southend United on Saturday will be refereed by ANDREW HUMPHRIES.
Galvin Joins On Loan
Jim McNulty has bolstered his defensive options by adding Barnet left wingback Ryan Galvin to the squad on loan following the departure of Kevin Berkoe back to Salford.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Eastleigh
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s Enterprise National League fixture against Eastleigh.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Eastleigh
Dale’s home game against Eastleigh on Saturday will be refereed by GARRETH RHODES.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Everton U21- National League Cup
Dale’s final group game in this season’s National League Cup against Everton U21 on Tuesday night will be refereed by MATTHEW SCHOLES.
Refwatch - Tamworth v Rochdale
Dale’s lunchtime kick-off at Tamworth on Saturday will be refereed by DALE BAINES.
The RochdaleAFC.com Podcast Episode 91
Dean, Jacob and Mark discuss recent pitch problems, wins over Boston & Aldershot, a humbling defeat at York and suffer some technical issues.
Joe Thompson Foundation - A Lunch For Joe
I’m proud to be asked to share something incredibly close to my heart. Lunch for Joe is on 02.12.2025 at Hotel Football, Manchester, a special event supporting the amazing work of the Joe Thompson Foundation.