ROCHDALE will be hoping to return to league action at Roots Hall against bogey side Southend.

Wintry weather and their FA Cup run has meant that Paul Simpson's side haven't played a league game since 28 December and coach Jamie Hoyland is hoping for a win.

'Southend are just above us so it's important we get something from the trip,' he said.

'This is the first of two or three massive games between now and the end of the month where we need maximum points. With games coming thick and fast we need to keep our good run going and put together a surge up the table.'

With the exception of long-term injury victims Patrick McCourt and Chris Beech, Simpson has a full squad from which to choose and is unlikely to change the side that won at Preston in the FA Cup two weeks ago.

LAST SEASON: 0-0

KEY OPPONENT: Tess Bramble ' younger brother of Newcastle's Titus and a big bustling striker. with an eye for goal

PREDICTION: Southend 1 Rochdale 1

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