Rochdale’s Championship opener with Batley postponed

The Championship game between Rochdale and Batley scheduled for Sunday has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The Hornets share their Crown Oil Arena home with Rochdale AFC, who have installed a dome type pitch cover to help them carry out vital drainage repairs.

Rochdale football club have suffered a number of postponements in recent weeks, including their home game with Wigan on Tuesday night.

There is no confirmed date, as yet, for the re-arranged fixture.

Hornets CEO Steve Kerr said: “We are extremely disappointed that our season opener has to be called off and we share the fans frustrations, however the situation with the pitch is not going to change between now and Sunday.

“Alan, his staff and all of the squad have worked extremely hard throughout pre-season and have prepared well for the Batley game. The early decision will help the squad focus their attention on next Sunday’s away clash at Swinton.

“We have worked alongside the football club over the past three weeks to prepare the pitch, however, it’s the fourth fixture that has been postponed in the last two weeks so we recognise the importance of the emergency maintenance work and support the current plan that is in place.