Key Points
- Rochdale AFC secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Woking FC in the National League on February 21, 2026, at Spotland Stadium.
- Goals scored by Devante Rodney (two goals) and Coby Rowe, giving Rochdale a dominant performance.
- Woking manager Simon Bassey provided a candid post-match interview, praising Rochdale’s quality while lamenting his team’s defensive errors.
- Match attendance around 2,100, with Rochdale climbing the league table amid promotion aspirations.
- Bassey highlighted Woking’s poor away form, now winless in eight National League away games.
- No red cards, but Woking received multiple bookings; clean sheet for Rochdale goalkeeper.
- Rochdale’s unbeaten run extended to five matches, boosting morale under manager Jim McNulty.
- Bassey noted his side’s first-half promise but second-half collapse due to “soft goals.”
- Interview conducted by Woking FC’s official media team post-full-time whistle.
- Fixture implications: Rochdale solidify play-off spot; Woking drop further from safety.
Rochdale (Manchester Mirror) February 22, 2026 – Rochdale AFC delivered a commanding 3-0 triumph against Woking FC in the National League at Spotland Stadium yesterday evening, propelling them closer to the play-off positions. Manager Simon Bassey of Woking offered forthright reflections in his post-match interview, conceding his team’s defensive frailties while acknowledging Rochdale’s clinical finishing. The result leaves Woking languishing in the relegation scrap, winless in their last eight away outings.
What Happened in the Rochdale AFC vs Woking Match?
The encounter unfolded at Spotland Stadium, Rochdale’s historic home ground, under the floodlights on a chilly February evening. Rochdale, managed by Jim McNulty, struck first through Devante Rodney in the 22nd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Woking. Rodney doubled his tally just before half-time, rifling home from close range after a swift counter-attack. Coby Rowe sealed the victory in the 67th minute with a header from a corner, much to the delight of the home faithful.
As reported by the official Woking FC match reporter on wokingfc.co.uk, the Cards (Woking’s nickname) started brightly, creating chances through midfielder Lewis Walker, but failed to convert. Rochdale’s defence, anchored by goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe, held firm for a crucial clean sheet. Attendance figures hovered around 2,100, typical for a midweek National League fixture, with vocal support from the Rochdale ultras section.
No serious injuries were noted, though Woking’s defender Malachi Linton picked up a knock late on. Referee Thomas Parsons oversaw a disciplined game, issuing four yellow cards—all to Woking players—for tactical fouls. This marked Rochdale’s fifth consecutive unbeaten league game, underscoring their resurgence this season.
Why Did Simon Bassey Praise Rochdale’s Performance?
In his exclusive post-match interview, published verbatim on Woking FC’s official site (wokingfc.co.uk, dated February 21, 2026), Simon Bassey did not hold back in commending the hosts. “Rochdale were excellent tonight; they deserved the three points,” Bassey stated candidly. “They punished us for our mistakes, and credit to them for that.”
Bassey, a seasoned coach with experience at Bristol Rovers and Luton Town earlier in his career, highlighted Rochdale’s attacking prowess. “Devante Rodney was a handful all game—two goals, constant threat. Their front line moved the ball sharply, and we couldn’t cope,” he added. This attribution aligns with eyewitness accounts from neutral observers on fan forums, who echoed Bassey’s view of Rochdale’s superiority.
As per Jim McNulty’s brief touchline comments relayed via Rochdale AFC’s social media, his side’s pressing game plan worked to perfection, forcing errors from Woking’s backline. Bassey’s honesty reflects his 20+ years in football management, prioritising professionalism over excuses.
How Did Woking Concede Three Goals So Easily?
Defensive disarray plagued Woking from the outset, according to Bassey’s analysis. “The first goal came from us giving the ball away cheaply in midfield,” he explained in the interview. “The second was soft—we didn’t clear our lines properly. The third from a set-piece we should’ve dealt with.”
Woking FC’s official match report corroborates this, noting loose marking allowed Rodney’s brace. Bassey lamented his team’s second-half fade: “We showed promise early but switched off after the break. Can’t keep conceding soft goals if we want to stay up.” Statistics from the game show Woking with 47% possession but zero shots on target, versus Rochdale’s 12 attempts.
Captain Harry Beautyman urged focus in the dressing room post-match, per club insiders. Bassey’s men now sit 20th in the National League, four points above the drop zone, with a grim away record of no wins in eight. Rochdale, conversely, leapfrog to 7th, eyeing promotion.
What Are the League Table Implications for Both Teams?
This result reverberates through the National League standings. Rochdale’s win catapults them into the top seven, bolstering play-off hopes under McNulty’s stewardship. Rodney’s goals take him to 15 for the season, making him a talisman.
For Woking, the defeat compounds misery. As Bassey noted: “We’ve got to regroup quickly—next game’s at home against York City.” Their relegation battle intensifies, with survival hinging on halting the away slump. Fan punditry on Woking forums calls for January signings, though the window has closed.
Broader context: The National League’s cut-throat nature means every point counts. Rochdale’s clean sheet— their fourth in six—signals defensive solidity. Woking’s goals-against tally now stands at 52 in 32 games, alarming for Bassey.
Who Is Simon Bassey and What’s His Take on Woking’s Form?
Simon Bassey, appointed Woking boss in summer 2025, brings pedigree from EFL days. “We’ve got quality in the squad, but form’s been patchy,” he admitted. “Tonight exposed our away woes—eight without a win now.”
In the interview, Bassey remained measured: “Frustrating, but heads don’t drop. We’ll analyse the tape and bounce back.” His tactical setup—a 4-2-3-1—faltered against Rochdale’s width. Bassey’s post-match demeanour impressed observers, focusing on positives like first-half chances.
Woking supporters appreciate his candour, per club podcast feedback. At 48, Bassey eyes stabilisation as his priority.
When Is Woking’s Next Match and What Did Fans Say?
Woking host York City on February 28, 2026—a must-win. Bassey previewed: “Home form’s decent; we’ll attack from the off.” Rochdale travel to Ebbsfleet United midweek.
Fan reactions flooded social media. Rochdale’s Twitter hailed “Rodney on fire!” while Woking boards lamented “another soft loss.” Neutral BBC Radio Manchester correspondent praised the hosts’ tempo. No controversies marred the night, keeping focus on football.
