JIM McCLUSKIE played in an FA Trophy final back in 1992 - for Witton Albion, who are Rossendale's opponents at Dark Lane tomorrow.

And the Dale boss has let his players know in no uncertain terms that it is a final worth getting to.

McCluskie may have been on the losing side a decade ago, but he says it was an experience he'll never forget.

"I played for Witton in the Trophy final at Wembley in 1992 and it was something else," he said.

After going out of the FA Cup at the Preliminary Round stage, to Ossett Albion, earlier in the season McCluskie is looking for his side to have a good run in this cup competition.

"We were disappointed to go out of the FA Cup the way we did so the emphasis tomorrow will be firmly on winning.

"There are signs that we are slowly starting to pick up. We have scored six goals in the last two games and you can see the confidence and team spirit are returning.

"Our league form has suffered as late. I am glad the goals have started going in again but it is a nice to have a distraction from the league."

His side haven't won a game in six attempts so progressing to the first round proper of the FA Trophy is not the only need tomorrow.

"We just need to win a football match," said McCluskie. "It's a one-off game, a knockout situation and there'll all be aware of the importance of it."