Pressure on Dale to pick up the pace

ROCHDALE’S opponents Warrington were heavily beaten by league leaders Kendal last week and will be looking to bounce back on their home ground.

Another tough game against Douglas I.O.M. last Saturday has increased the pressure on Dale to get something from this fixture if they are to keep pace with North One West’s frontrunners.

Fourth-placed Warrington go into this game 14 points ahead of Rochdale in seventh.

Jonny Bradley and Gui de Sousa return from injury and Mike Candler, Rob Wadsworth are joined by Aidy Gleeson in the back row, Gleeson having made an impression for the second team last Saturday. Dan Hay forms another new partnership with de Sousa in the second row.

Warrington has been a happy hunting ground for Dale for the past few seasons and they are hoping for more today. Players meet at the club at 11am.

T Callaghan, J Bradley, R Ward, D Hay, G deSousa, M Candler, R Wadsworth, A Gleeson, J Warburton, J Duffy, T Townsend, J

The seconds are away at Wirral today and travel in good spirits on the back of a resounding win last week against Stockport. Matt Buckley and Harry Hayes return to strengthen the team. Players meet 11.30am.

B Coulter, Mr Parry, P Swinden, A Smith, S Riley, J Holt, H Hayes, S Humphries, R Tweedale, D James, E Baker, J Mair, M Buckley, A Howorth, A Derbyshire, A.N.Other, D Connor, R Clegg.

The third team are at home as they entertain Fylde looking to continue their run of good form following a great win at home last week which lifted them to fourth in their league. Players meet 1pm

G Smith, A Barclay, A Beresford, J Godber, E Duffy, J Gilligan, A Pope, D Smith, D O’Shea, J Green, K Humphries, S Campbell, P Sipowitz, W Greaves, J Finnegan,

Rochdale’s foourth team go to Ashton under Lyne, players meet at club at 12.45pm. Team is as carded.

Anyone unsure about selection, please turn up with your boots at the meeting time.

Rochdale are seeking all past players from Colts onward to return to playing at the club.

A spokesman said: “Come and enjoy your weekends again – bring along the family.”