BLACKBURN’S chairman of rugby Gareth Dyer has urged his players to win their derby battle at Rossendale and kick start their season.

Burn are still searching for their first win of the campaign after slipping to a 26-7 defeat to leaders Rochdale on Saturday.

“We are desperate for our first win of the season so I suppose there would be no better place to do it than at our closest rivals,” said Dyer (left) who will have key personnel missing for the Marl Pits clash.

“I suppose the pressure is off because this all about local bragging rights.”

Dyer insists confidence is still high at Ramsgreave Drive despite losing six and drawing one game so far. “I suppose it is more frustration than anything else,” he added. “We have played well in parts in every game this season but we just need to get that monkey off our back.

“Rossendale will fancy their chances because they have had a fantastic start to the season but this is a derby match and, hopefully, the form guide goes out the window.”