Derby date crucial for Dale and Magpies

And both sides will be seeking to put their resolutions for 2004 into immediate action.

Rossendale manager Paul Lynch is encouraging his side to improve their away form sooner rather than later, while Magpies manager Mark Patterson will be urging his troops to close the gap on their UniBond First Division rivals.

"We've been a bit hit and miss this season," Lynch said.

"We've only lost once at home so far but our away form has let us down.

"I think the problem is that our pitch is like a bowling green, which suits our passing game, but other pitches in the division, like Guiseley and Ossett Town can be like mud baths and the players struggle to adapt.

"But it could be a good time to play this game because it won't be like a normal away fixture, it will be more like a cup game for our players.

"We'll be looking to get a result to not just kick start the New Year but also to get our away form up and running."

But Patterson is looking forward to the chance to pile more away day misery on his former club Dale.

"It's an important game for us, especially with losing at home to Bamber Bridge last week. We've got to bounce back from that," the former Blackburn Rovers and Bolton player said.

"It's going to be a bumpy pitch, which won't suit Rossendale, so I'm expecting a good old derby battle with a bit of passion.

"We've got connections at Rossendale, with myself and my assistant Jim McBride, who had a bit of a bitter departure from there when he was manager.

"He's desperate to get one over on them and so am I, but more so for the chance to pick up the points than anything else."

Patterson, who was on the lookout for a goalkeeper as Lee Bracey is unavailable due to work commitments, held a lunch-time training session with his side yesterday in the hope that it would make them sharper tomorrow.

Rossendale, whose only absentee tomorrow is the suspended Greg Challender, had New Year's Day off.