THREE successive defeats have seen Rochdale slip in the race for the League Two play-off places and manager Keith Hill is looking for his young side to bounce back at Bradford.

Hill admitted he was stunned by Tuesday night's 4-2 defeat at home to Hereford, and wants to make sure that Dale's promotion charge does not fade out.

"This is the first time this sort of thing has happened to me and I have to take it on the chin but I will become stronger from learning on this part of my journey," Hill said. "We will make sure that we put in a performance, give a good account of ourselves and look to get back to the basics."

Hill will be forced into making at least two changes as defender Nathan Stanton and winger Kallum Higginbotham have to sit the game because of suspension.

But he is unsure whether to give Will Buckley a run despite his solid debut in midweek.

"He is a very good player," said Hill. "But is he for now? I would probably say not. He is one for the future without a doubt."

Key opponent: Peter Thorne - Scored two in his last three

Prediction: Bradford 1 Rochdale 2 - Dale should get their fine away record back on track

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