ROSSENDALE United aim to turn on the style at home as they look to keep the pressure on at the top of the UniBond First Division table.

Dale are currently in sixth place but have at least one game in hand on the sides who occupy the three play-off spots above them and trail them all by just one point.

After some disappointing home shows, boss Jim McCluskie is determined his side will start finding the winning formula, beginning with fellow play-off contenders Leek Town at Dark Lane tomorrow.

"We have had a couple of disappointing results at home," said the Dale chief whose side were promoted as NWCL Division One champions last season on the strength of their home shows.

"It is coming up to a crucial stage of the season and with 18 games left, and a lot of them at home, it is important we get it right, especially against Leek.

"They beat us 4-1 at their place and we owe them one. It was 1-1 with 15 minutes to go and then they got a lucky goal and went on from there. 4-1 flattered them and a few things happened after the game so we have a score to settle.

"So we are up for that game. We have been through a blip and now we have got to keep the pressure on at the top by getting going at home. It is going to be the key to our success this season."

It has been stop-start for Dale since Christmas with postponements after a great start to the season was followed by a bad spell which coincided with injuries and suspensions.

But Dale are back on track with four wins in their last six League games - although their last two encounters have been a loss and a draw.

"Before Christmas we were playing Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday which gives you a chance to get a run going. It has been hard work with the weather as we have been kicking our heels but I think we will get to that stage again.

"That is what we want as it gives you chance to get a few wins on the bounce and make an impression."

Dale will though be without former Burnley defender Chris Scott who is suspended for three games following a dismissal against Ossett.

It is a massive blow to McCluskie - but he is hoping he can rely on one of the youngsters in Dale's reserve team to come through and make an impression.

"You can build a team around players like Chris as he has been a great signing for us. But our reserves are doing well in the Lancashire League and it gives one of them a chance to come through."

Dale's reserve side has been another success story of a good season.

They were only formed this summer under the watchful eye of one of non-League's prolific strikers Jimmy Clarke and his brief was to just see how it goes.

Instead the youngsters - whose average age is about 20 - have been turning out some good performances and the second string have been totting up crowds of around 100.

"It was never about winning when we started a reserve side but the lads have gone to places like Chester, which they did midweek, and got a 1-1 draw.

"The reserves have personally been a highlight of the season. We have a lot of good propects and that is why when Chris Willcocks approached some to go to Ramsbottom it was so disappointing."

The Rams will plead guilty to this 'illegal approach' as they hadn't given the necessary seven days notice before former Dale player Willcocks approached them.

"One pleasing thing to come out of this, though" continued McCluskie. "Is that the five lads decided to stay. They have played at Northwich, Morecambe and Chester in the Lancashire League, they can see what the club is trying to do and they decided they liked what they saw and stayed here. That now is the main thing."

The blossoming side has also been boosted with the addition of left-sided player John Keegan from Conference side Scarborough.

"He is about 20/21 and is a left sided defender who has played 30-odd games in the Conference.

"It is an area we felt we needed to strengthen and we'll see how he gets on."