ROCHDALE will be looking for a win to not only further cement their top seven spot but to keep in touch with the automatic promotion places.

Despite taking seven points from their previous three matches, John Hollins' side have slipped to sixth place with both Scunthorpe and Cheltenham leapfrogging them.

There are likely to be few changes to the side that has been on duty of late although Dave Flitcroft is now available after suspension and may return in the centre of the midfield.

Keeper Steve Banks will be making his last appearance for the club as his three-month loan stint from Bolton will be up after the game.

The visitors have been in the end-of-season play-offs for the last two seasons, but have slipped out of contention of late and probably need to win at least six of their remaining seven games to make it three in a row.

Last season: Rochdale 2 Hartlepool 1

Key opponent: Gordon Watson - lively, skilful front runner with experience of top flight football.

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