ROCHDALE may just have moved up a gear in their battle to survive in the Football League after last weekend's 3-0 success over Leyton Orient.

Two goals from Grant Holt and one by Northern Ireland international Patrick McCourt earned Steve Parkin's side their first victory in six fixtures.

It was much needed as a winning run from York or Carlisle could put Rochdale in big relegation trouble unless they can continue to produce results.

Saturday's visit will see the Dale, three points ahead of York with a much better goal difference, bidding for a maiden success at Aggborough following two 0-0 draws and a 4-1 defeat in 2001.

Rochdale have also lost their last two home games 1-0 to Harriers but the latest fixture takes on a greater importance as they fight for their league status.

Striker Holt, signed from Sheffield Wednesday in January, has only found the net three times with young forward Kevin Townson top scoring with 12 goals.

Winger Leo Bertos has chipped in with nine and is one of Rochdale's main threats.

Their defence has Midlands connections with Daryl Burgess having played for West Brom and Wayne Evans for Walsall.

Ex-Port Vale man Gareth Griffiths could be back after a head injury.