ROCHDALE Hornets have been licking their wounds after losing their opening National League clash with Batley.

Coach Bobbie Goulding has called for a tighter defence ahead of today's tough clash with Whitehaven at Spotland.

The Cumbrians beat Leigh last week.

Goulding's team were overpowered in the second half at Batley, but Goulding is determined to make the team a competitive force in the National League. A boost is the arrival of former Warrington Academy player Liam McGovern.

He can play either hooker, scrum half or loose forward, but has left Warrington due to lack of first team opportunities.

Goulding says: "I asked Liam to come to Rochdale when I first arrived.

"He is an ambitious kid and was wanting to play first team, but there's a lot of competition at Warrington. His attitude is first class and he is very versatile."

Rochdale know they must win their home games in the National League if they're to challenge for a play-off spot at the end of the summer.

Elsewhere, Oldham travel to Halifax and Leigh host Featherstone who have been boosted by the return of Neil Lowe after being on loan from Salford.

In National League Two, Swinton travel to Dewsbury and Chorley Lynx host Sheffield Eagles. Tweet