NRC Preview: Rochdale v York

Adam Bowman is unlikely to feature for Rochdale after suffering a fit.

Hornets coach John Stankevitch said: “It’s a big blow for us, because we weren’t particularly blessed in terms of numbers in the outside backs anyway.”

However, senior squad members Wayne England, Phil Wood, Michael Ostick and Bolu Fagborun are expected to line up against York in Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup opener.

Stand-in York coach Chris Thorman says his focus is centred on York’s performance rather than anything Rochdale can do.

Thorman said: “It’s the first competitive hit out for everyone this weekend and, like ourselves, Rochdale will want to set the standard for the rest of their season.

“It’s a bit of an unknown for me, going into a competition against a lot of teams that I don’t know, but the boys have been tremendous in training.

“All I’m concerned about is the contribution from the York players and the effort and commitment they show on Sunday.”