Tamworth return to the Altair Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon for Isuzu FA Trophy action, hosting Rochdale AFC, as they attempt to reach the fifth round of the competition for the first time since 2004.

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The Lambs will be also looking to make it back-to-back wins in 2026 following last Saturday’s 3-1 victory at home over Gateshead FC, which ended a run of two league defeats.

Head-to-Head

Rochdale offer a stern test, with Tamworth yet to record a victory in three previous meetings between the sides.

The most recent encounter came in November, when goals from Kyron Gordon and Emmanuel Dieseruvwe secured a 2-1 away win for The Dale and helped maintain their promotion push. Tamworth were close to victory in this fixture last season; however, Kairo Mitchell’s stoppage-time strike rescued a point for the visitors.

FA Trophy Run

Tamworth began their Isuzu FA Trophy campaign in mid-December at home to fellow Enterprise National League side Boston United, the second time the clubs had met in the competition’s history.

The result mirrored their November 2022 meeting, finishing 1-1 before The Lambs prevailed in a penalty shoot-out. Stefan Mols opened the scoring three minutes into the second half, before Frankie Maguire equalised for Boston on the 74th minute to force spot-kicks. Two saves from Jas Singh and successful spot-kicks from The Lambs saw the shoot-out extend to sudden death, where Boston’s Marcel Lavinier fired his penalty into the Meadow Street terrace, whilst Alfie Bates converted to send Tamworth into the fourth round.

Rochdale progressed with a 1-0 victory at Leamington, Levi Amantchi’s early second-half strike was enough to see off The Brakes. This was the second successive season Rochdale knocked Leamington out of the competition, having beaten them 2-0 last season.

FA Trophy History

Rochdale’s involvement in the Isuzu FA Trophy is relatively recent due to their long history in the Football League. In 2023, their first non-league season, they were eliminated in the third round, beaten 5-1 at home by Gateshead. Last season saw a significant improvement, with The Dale reaching the semi-finals after victories over Leamington, Stockton Town, Worthing, and Altrincham, before losing to Spennymoor Town on penalties.

Manager Jimmy McNulty will be hoping his side can go further this time and bring a trophy back to Greater Manchester for the first time since a Lancashire Cup triumph in 2005.

For Tamworth, the 2003 FA Trophy run remains one of the club’s finest achievements. Under Darron Gee, The Lambs reached the final at Villa Park but lost 2-1 to West Lancashire based Burscough despite Mark Cooper's equaliser.

Current Form

Rochdale are currently engaged in the Enterprise National League promotion race, winning more than 77% of their league matches so far this season. They had recorded six consecutive victories before a 2-1 defeat to Hartlepool at the Crown Oil Arena in their most recent outing. Postponements at the start of this year have prevented Jimmy McNulty’s side from returning to winning ways imminently and they arrive in the West Midlands eager to welcome in 2026 with a win.

Tamworth’s victory over Gateshead FC, took them to 11th in the Enterprise National League table, seven points off Southend United in the final play-off spot. After a challenging festive period, The Lambs managed to deny Rob Elliot a managerial bounce, securing a tenth win of the campaign as Tamworth look to build momentum in the new year.

Andy Peaks Programme Notes

Speaking ahead of the match, manager Andy Peaks reflected on Tamworth’s cup history and the challenge that awaits:

“The FA Trophy is a competition I want to do well in… yes, the league is my priority, but who knows what might happen if we win and get through to the last 16.”

On facing Rochdale again, Peaks added:

“It was only a few weeks ago that Rochdale were the visitors here for a league game which they won 2-1. They are having a great season and in my mind they are a quality side who seem destined to win the league this season… I know we are in for a tough game again.”

Reflecting on last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Gateshead:

“I was delighted to get back to winning ways last Saturday against Gateshead. In a way it could have been a massive banana skin with them being bottom of the league and after the setbacks we have had… I thought the lads handled the game well and to be honest I think 3-1 flattered them... we put in a solid performance and apart from a few jittery moments, I thought we were really good value… in my mind it was the biggest game of the season.”

On the importance of the supporters:

“We are so grateful for your support here at The Lamb and on the road. It’s so important to hear you getting behind us and it means so much to the players.”

Matchday information

Ground Opening
The Lamb Ground opens 90 minutes before kick-off.

Turnstile Information
• Home supporters should enter via the turnstiles at the far end of the car park.
• Away supporters should use the turnstiles at the near end of the car park.

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased on the day from the ticket office, located next door to the club shop.

Food & Refreshments
A selection of food and refreshments will be available inside the ground.
An away bar and food van is available in the away supporters end.
Parking
Limited parking is available at the stadium on a first come, first served basis, priced at £3 per car.

By Train
Tamworth Train Station is approximately 0.8 miles away, around a 15-minute walk from the ground.

Club Address
The Lamb Ground
Kettlebrook Road
Tamworth
B77 1AA
England

Match Programme

The official digital match programme will be available to download ahead of kick-off.

Tickets

Tickets are still available online.
Supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance.