ROSSENDALE manager Jim McCluskie has told his side to 'go for it' in the race for the UniBond first division play-offs.

Dale are just two points away from the top five and McCluskie thinks if they win their remaining games - amassing 70 points in total - it will be enough.

But they have to extend their run of four wins in five games by getting past local rivals Chorley, who they play at home tomorrow.

The Magpies may not be going for a promotion place but the players are playing for their futures under new manager Mark Molyneaux.

"It will be a tough game," said McCluskie.

"But our lads are up for it and while there is still a chance to get up there we will go for it.

"We've got to win all our games and it's out of our hands.

"But I've had a look at the fixtures and they all have to play each other. Spennymoor are the ones to catch in fifth place but they have to play Radcliffe, Harrogate and Gretna yet.

"If we can win our next two games it will go down to the last game and that has been the good thing about the new play-off system - it has kept things interesting for us."

McCluskie told his under-performing players a few home truths just a few weeks ago and they have responded with their good run.

"I don't really know why we have suddenly started playing again but I am delighted with the way they have responded.

"One or two goals are going in that maybe weren't before and we are keeping clean sheets. While you are doing that you always have a chance of winning a game.

"We have a good goal difference and that could come into it."

And McCluskie knows that teams that sneak into the play-offs on the last day often have the best chance of winning them.

"History shows that, and in a one-off game we will be able to handle it."

The Dale chief has a clutch of injuries but was keeping his team news close to his chest in an attempt to outsmart Chorley boss Molyneaux.

"I have just told the players to give it their all and not hold anything back," he said.

Magpies player-manager Molyneaux, who dropped a clanger in the 2-2 draw against Eastwood on Saturday when he 'chucked one in' with 10 minutes to go, is dropping himself for tomorrow's game!

"I like to play football so I was dribbling it out and got caught on the edge of the area.

"If that had been any of the other players I'd have ripped their heads off!

"So I went in to see myself and said 'what are you going to do?' and I said I was getting dropped so Simon Marsh will play tomorrow.

"But we are playing the right way now and it's just a shame the season is coming to an end because if it had been four weeks longer we might have been challenging for the play-offs ourselves."

It is Chorley's final game of the campaign.