AFTER the disappointment of their opening-day reverse at the hands of Yeovil, Rochdale face the long trip to Bristol Rovers looking for their first win under new boss Alan Buckley.

The Memorial Ground has been something of a happy hunting ground for Dale in the last two seasons, but, after fighting off relegation, Rovers have spent big in the summer and opened with an impressive win at Scunthorpe last weekend.

Skipper Gareth Griffiths had to sit out the Yeovil game due to a back injury but may return to plug the leaky Dale defence, while Matt Doughty may start in place of Pat McCourt.

Last Season: Bristol R 1 Rochdale 2

Key Opponent: Lee Hodges - a Dale `reject' with a lot to prove and the ability to match

Prediction: Bristol R 2 Rochdale 1

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