NRC Preview: Rochdale v York

Hornets coach John Stankevitch is demanding a big improvement in his side’s attitude in defence.

He said: “I was extremely disappointed by our display against Dewsbury. We were soft in the first half. Dewsbury were probably the biggest side we’ll face this season and some of our guys, I think, thought that they didn’t have a chance from the off.

“We didn’t put our bodies on the line at all in defence. Dewsbury played really well and we lost all the little battles.”

However, Stankevitch insisted: “There were some positives. We looked at our completion rate after the Oldham game and there was a big improvement against Dewsbury – we were near 80 per cent in both halves. We were also down to seven penalties from 17 against Oldham.”

On York, Stankevitch said: “They’re the favourites to win Co-operative Championship One. I’ve played with Chris Thorman at England level so I know the quality he’s got, while Danny Hill is also a strong player.

“We’re looking to build on the positives we picked up against Dewsbury.”

Andy Saywell (groin) and Bolu Fagborun (ankle) are ruled out while Damien Reid and Chris Holroyd could make their debuts.

York assistant coach Chris Thorman is considering up to six changes from the line-up that lost at Sheffield on Sunday.

Mark Applegarth, John Fallon and Jonathan Schofield are among those being considered for the trip to Lancashire.

Rochdale v York, Northern Rail Cup, Wednesday 17th February (20:00)