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Match Previews

MATCH PREVIEW | LUTON TOWN V ROCHDALE

1 March 2019

Match Previews

MATCH PREVIEW | LUTON TOWN V ROCHDALE

1 March 2019

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The Hatters could make it a year unbeaten at Kenilworth Road in league action as they welcome Rochdale tomorrow afternoon.

Prior to the match, there will be plenty going on outside the Kenilworth Road end for both sets of supporters, as we host another family fun day.

Balloon modelling, face-painting, a band and all sorts will be on show to keep kids and adults alike entertained, with Rochdale supporters and their families more than welcome to come and enjoy.

Town haven't suffered a defeat in front of their home crowd since 10th March last year, when Accrington Stanley defeated us 2-1.

13 wins from 17 league outings at Kenilworth Road so far this season have helped the Town maintain their place at the top of Sky Bet League One, with the potential this weekend to move eight points clear of second placed Barnsley.

Rochdale fell into the relegation zone in recent weeks, but are very much a tough test and were somewhat unfortunate not to take all three points when the Hatters visited Spotland back in November – an inspired performance from James Shea denying Keith Hill's side the win that day in a 0-0 draw.

Hill's team certainly have their threats, notably Ian Henderson, who currently sits third in the goalscoring charts in the third tier.

As always, there will be plenty of homemade food available around the ground at our food and drink kiosks, as well as contactless card tills to help speed up service. Please take advantage of these.

Our iFollow Hatters service will be available as usual, Simon Pitts' full match commentary will be on for supporters in the UK, whilst international subscribers can watch the game live.

MICK HARFORD SAYS:

On the Town squad: "The squad is good, the squad is fit. They've trained very well after a tough game against Coventry. They've all been nice and fresh, nice and lively. We're looking forward to a big challenge.

"Glen is obviously out long term, a few niggles here and there. Overall we are pleased with the fitness and the health of all the squad. So it's challenging picking the team at the moment with a full squad.

"We prepare for every game and try and get a victory every game, we try and set up the team to win games. It will be no different over the weekend and the coming weeks. So it's a big challenge, yes we have got a big challenge in front of us, it's not going to be easy, there is going to be some ups and downs, it's going to be a rocky road, but hopefully we come out of it in a good place.

"There's a lot of competition in training and people are fighting for their places – everyone wants to play. People are going to be disappointed, but that's the nature of the game, we have a good quality squad and we pick the best team we believe for the opposition, and the best team for the benefit of the team and the club.

On Rochdale: "We've got the utmost respect for Rochdale. It was one of our toughest games of the season when we went up there, we drew 0-0, James Shea was excellent on the day. So we will not be underestimating Rochdale to any extent. They've got a very good manager, they set up the team well and come and have a go at us, so if we underestimate them, it will be at our own peril. So we will be fully prepared, we will be fully focused for what is going to be a big challenge."

WHO?

The Spotland based outfit have been on a difficult run of late, winning only once since the turn of the year, slipping to a 5-1 defeat last weekend at Plymouth. That saw them fall into the relegation places and are now two points shy of safety. Their run in though does give them the opportunity to beat teams that are directly above them, so it's very much a case of having their destiny in their hands.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Kick-off is at 3pm at Kenilworth Road on Saturday 2nd March.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE?

Tomorrow's game against Dale will be refereed Lee Swabey, who has overseen 21 games so far this campaign, dishing out 70 yellow cards and two red cards.

TICKET INFORMATION

Only seats with a restricted view are now available to buy in home sections, so please contact the Ticket Office at the earliest opportunity to secure your seat!

POWER COURT CAR PARKING

Parking at Power Court on Sunday will be available with a permit, which you can download by clicking this link!

BOBBERS TRAVEL CLUB CHALLENGE

The Bobbers Travel Club are fundraising for this season's Supporters' Charity (Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at the L&D) by giving supporters tubes of Smarties, and after enjoying the Smarties, asking for them to be returned filled with 20p pieces.

For every full tube returned, the supporter is entered into a raffle. The prizes are Club Shop vouchers for £50, £30 & £20. In addition a framed signed photo, two pairs of tickets (Wimbledon game) & a Smarties hamper.

You can still enter before 2.30pm tomorrow by visiting the Bobbers Travel Club office tomorrow morning on the Kenny Apron.

The winners will be announced at half time tomorrow.

AWAY SUPPORTERS

If you're a Rochdale supporter heading to Kenilworth Road for Saturday's game, click here to have a look at our away supporters' guide.

PLAYED BEFORE?

The Dale are one of the sides to give the Town a real headache this campaign – our game back in November saw James Shea put in a Man of the Match performance as he pulled off a number of saves to help the Hatters keep a clean sheet in a goalless game. On another day, Rochdale may have taken all three points by a comfortable margin. In total we have played 18 times, winning nine, drawing five and losing four.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

The main blow-by-blow account of the action from Kenilworth Road will be provided via the Match Centre on the club website, which you can access by clicking here. (*Please note that the club's Live Text will appear only by accessing through an internet browser, users of the Luton Town FC app will receive updates from Opta)

The main moments from the game will appear on the Hatters' social media feeds:

Twitter – @LutonTown
Facebook – www.facebook.com/LutonTown/
Instagram – www.instagram.com/ltfc_official/

And of course Simon Pitts will be on hand to provide commentary for iFollow Hatters which you can subscribe to by clicking here.

 


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