Rochdale AFC Returns to the English Football League

May 10, 2026, 17:53

Introduction

Rochdale AFC won a big game at Wembley Stadium. They are now back in the EFL.

Main Body

Rochdale AFC had many problems. They had no money and they left the league three years ago. They almost closed the club. In the final game, Boreham Wood scored two goals first. Then, Rochdale scored two goals late in the game. The score was 2-2. The teams played more time, but no one scored. Then they had a penalty shootout. The goalkeeper saved two balls. Rochdale won 3-1.

Conclusion

Rochdale AFC is back in the professional league after three years.

Learning

🕒 Talking about the Past

Look at how the story changes from now to before:

Now $\rightarrow$ They are back. Before $\rightarrow$ They were away.

🛠️ The "Magic -ed" Rule

Most words in this story use a simple trick to show something already happened. Just add -ed to the end of the action:

Score $\rightarrow$ Scored
Play $\rightarrow$ Played
Close $\rightarrow$ Closed

⚠️ The Rule-Breakers

Some words are 'rebels' and change completely. You have to memorize these:

Win $\rightarrow$ Won
Have $\rightarrow$ Had
Leave $\rightarrow$ Left

Quick Tip: If you see won, had, or left, the action is finished. It is in the past.

Vocabulary Learning

game (n.)

a sports match or activity

Example:We played a game of football in the park.

back (adv.)

return to a place

Example:She went back to the library after lunch.

had (v.)

past tense of have

Example:They had a cup of tea before dinner.

many (adj.)

a large number

Example:There were many books on the shelf.

problems (n.)

difficulties

Example:He faced many problems when learning English.

money (n.)

currency

Example:She saved some money for her trip.

league (n.)

a group of teams that play against each other

Example:The team joined a local football league.

scored (v.)

to make points in a game

Example:She scored a goal in the final minute.

goals (n.)

points in a game

Example:The match ended with two goals for each side.

goalkeeper (n.)

player who protects the goal

Example:The goalkeeper saved the ball with a great dive.

penalty (n.)

a punishment in a game

Example:He received a penalty for a foul.

saved (v.)

protected from danger

Example:The firefighter saved the child from the fire.