IN-FORM Rochdale arrive at Bootham Crescent on Saturday looking to secure their third consecutive victory.

Wins over Darlington and Torquay have consigned a sluggish start, when Alan Buckley's side failed to triumph in their first four outings, to memory.

Dale received a boost in midweek when on-loan Manchester City striker Chris Shuker agreed to extend his stay at Spotland by another two months.

However, fortunately for City, the fleet-footed Shuker is unavailable tomorrow as he starts a three-match ban.

Dale will also be without the services of potent striker Lee McEvilly, who is away on with the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad.

McEvilly will be remembered by City fans following last season's eventful encounter at Bootham Crescent.

The striker ended up donning the gloves when number one Matthew Gilks was injured in the first half but still managed to score Rochdale's late equaliser in a 2-2 draw, firing home from the penalty spot.

McEvilly's countryman, the highly-rated winger Patrick McCourt, is available for tomorrow's visitors as he serves a suspension from international football but will probably have to settle for a place on the bench.

Rochdale also have a doubt over midfielder Chris Beech (groin), while skipper Gareth Griffiths has been out since the start of the season with a back injury.

The Macedonia v England Euro 2004 qualifier will be shown live in the Social Club after the match.

Updated: 11:40 Friday, September 05, 2003