Dale seek return to winning ways

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Marcus Holness could return to the Dale starting line-up against Barnet tomorrow.

Rochdale will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Barnet in a top-of-the-table league two clash tomorrow (Saturday 10 October, kick off 3pm).

Dale's defeat at Burton last Sunday ended a run of four consecutive victories and Keith Hill's men will be hoping to put that loss behind them and overtake Barnet in the process.

Just a point and three league places seperates the two sides with both having enjoyed a good start to their respective league campaigns. The Bees travel to Spotland on the back of two wins and Dale will be hard pressed to win a fifth home league game out of six.

New signing Marc Manga could come straight into the Dale squad, the frenchman having signed on non-contract terms until January, but is unlikely to start, while Marcus Holness is expected to come into the starting eleven at centre half in place of young revelation Craig Dawson.

The pressures of regular professional football finally caught up with 19-year-old Dawson at Burton. He was replaced by Holness on the hour and his manager confirmed after the game that the defender, who has been soaking up the plaudits in recent weeks, was beginning to tire having started every one of Dale's games so far this season.

Barnet also have players waiting in the wings for a return to their starting line-up. Defender Gary Breen and striker Paul Furlong were rested for the midweek defeat to Charlton in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy but should return, while tricky winger Albert Adomah is to come back in to the Barnet squad after overcoming an ankle problem.

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