Match Preview | We welcome Rochdale to Dronfield this Sunday!

20/07/2026

We're back at The MEPS International Home of Football Stadium this Sunday as we welcome Rochdale Hornets for Round 21 of the Betfred Championship (3:00pm kick-off).

Craig Lingard's side head into the weekend full of confidence after extending their winning streak to four matches with an impressive 38-12 victory over Workington Town last time out. The Eagles will now be looking to continue their excellent form and make it five consecutive wins.

Sunday's fixture will be the third meeting between the two sides this season. The Eagles claimed a convincing 44-20 victory at the Crown Oil Arena in the Betfred Championship back in March, before returning to Rochdale just a month later, where the Hornets produced a second-half comeback to edge a 32-18 victory in the First Round of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup.

Rochdale will also be eager to bounce back this weekend after suffering a 42-4 defeat away to Midlands Hurricanes on Sunday.

Take a look below for everything you need to know ahead of Sunday's clash with the Hornets.

SPECTATOR’S GUIDE

We have produced this guide to help you with everything you need to know ahead of your visit to The MEPS International Home of Football Stadium, including the best ways to get there, facilities, and much more.

Please click HERE to read.

CASHLESS VENUE

Please note that The MEPS International Home of Football Stadium is a cashless facility.

Card payments are only accepted, including food, drink, and parking.

COACH & HORSES PUB

We have an on-site pub located just outside the stadium, welcoming both home and away supporters, the perfect place to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere.

The Coach and Horses opens from midday on gamedays and remains open after the final whistle, making it ideal for both pre-match and post-match drinks.

TICKETS

Match Tickets for Sunday’s game remain on sale, and you’re able to secure your spot for this game now by clicking HERE.

Ticket prices for the game are as follows:

Adults: £18

Concessions (16-18, 65+): £13

U16’s: £5

* Please note that all prices, except Juniors, will rise on a gameday by £2.

 * Please note that we have an open seating plan in place at the stadium. People will have the option to be able to sit down anywhere or stand up.

*  Please do not stand in front of the seated stands

 * We strongly ask all supporters to purchase their tickets in advance of the game by buying online though our online ticketing portal. 

TURNSTILES

Turnstiles will open at 2pm. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to facilitate a smooth entry into the stadium and avoid any delays.

GROUND REGULATIONS

Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with our Ground Regulations before your visit.

Click HERE to read them in full, to help ensure a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for everyone.

PARKING / DISABLED PARKING INFORMATION.

Parking is available on-site at the MEPS International Home of Football Stadium on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that card payments only are accepted for parking.

A limited number of designated accessible parking spaces are also available on-site, subject to availability. To request an accessible parking space, please email Mark.Hannigan@sheffieldeagles.com.

Please note: All accessible parking requests must be pre-booked at least 48 hours before a home fixture.

Please note that the car park closes exactly an hour after the final whistle, so if you’re staying at the Coach & Horses for a drink after the game, you may have to make alternative parking arrangements.

CONCESSIONS

Supporters will be able to enjoy a wide range of food and drink from the stadium's concession stands throughout the afternoon.

Hot food options include sausage rolls (£3.50), burgers (£3.50), cheeseburgers (£4.00), cheeseburger & chips (£7.00), and chips (£3.50).

The drinks menu features San Miguel, Guinness, Guinness 0.0 and Thatchers (all £5.00), alongside Holsten Pils (£4.00). Non-alcoholic options include cans of soft drinks and a selection of hot beverages (both £2.50).

A variety of confectionery will also be available, including Pringles (£2.50) and chocolate bars (£2.00).

Please note: All stadium concession outlets are card payment only.

MATCH REFEREE

This weekend's match will be officiated by Adam Williams.

The Championship referee was in charge of our trip to Hunslet earlier this season, when we secured a 24-16 victory at the South Leeds Stadium in April, and most recently refereed our 30-24 victory against Salford two weeks ago at the CorpAcq Stadium.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Last ten meetings:

Rochdale 32, Sheffield 18 (1895C-R1, 19/4/26)

Rochdale 20, Sheffield 44 (ChR6, 8/3/26)

Sheffield 46, Rochdale 24 (ChR18, 21/6/19)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Rochdale 16, Sheffield 52 (ChR11, 22/4/19)

Sheffield 22, Rochdale 32 (CSR7, 30/9/18)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Rochdale 16, Sheffield 38 (ChR12, 29/4/18)

Sheffield 38, Rochdale 20 (ChR8, 30/3/18)

(at Olympic Legacy Park)

Sheffield 26, Rochdale 22 (CSR6, 10/9/17)

(at Belle Vue, Wakefield)

Sheffield 38, Rochdale 14 (ChR16, 4/6/17)

(at Belle Vue, Wakefield)

Rochdale 18, Sheffield 42 (ChR10, 14/4/17)

KEEP UPDATED WITH THE GAME

If your unable to make it to the game, then here is a list of ways to keep updated with what’s going on.

- Live Match Updates on X

- Match Report

- Post-Match Interviews

- Match Highlights on SETV