Giving the youngsters a chance

Rispin, who is just 17, played the second half of the game against the Conference strugglers, which Dale lost 4-3 in extra time.

Despite giving away a penalty just 10 minutes after the break, McCluskie said the teenager, from Rawtenstall, had impressed.

"He did very well," said McCluskie. "He was thrown in at the deep end but that is the only way to find out whether they are good enough.

"He has come from local football, got in the reserves and has impressed me with some of his performances. I have liked the look of him and I'm sure he has got a big future ahead of him."

McCluskie was happy with his side's performance against a team who play two divisions higher.

They were level at 2-2 after 90 minutes but lost out on a heavy pitch in extra time.

"We were unlucky not win I thought," he said. "We put in a lot of effort and worked hard and I think we matched them. They probably just had a little bit extra up front but we certainly didn't disgrace ourselves."

Dale travel to Ossett Town tomorrow in a big game for the club as both sides fight for promotion to the UniBond Premier League.

"It's a big game. They have had a sticky spell but they are a decent side. It will be our fifth league game away from home in a row.

"It is a big ask after Tuesday's game but coming from the win against the top of the league (Radcliffe Borough) on Boxing Day we'll be going there full of confidence.

"But this game gives us a chance to pull away from them a little bit."

If Dale win they will put five points between themselves and Ossett and could go back up a place to third if Leek Town fail to win.

The top two get promoted automatically to the UniBond Premier.

The next three teams go into a play-off alongside the third-from-bottom club from the Premier Division for the remaining promotion place.

Jerome Fitzgerald is again out injured with a hamstring strain and is doubtful for tomorrow's game.