ROSSENDALE UNITED could put themselves back in contention for the UniBond first division play-offs with a win against Ashton United at Dark Lane tonight.

Dale lie ninth in the league, five points behind Ashton, who are in the final play-off place, with a game in hand.

And now manager Jim McCluskie wants to see his side win all their remaining games and maybe finish in a play-off spot.

"We put ourselves back in the frame with the last two results and it is a crucial game tonight, a massive six-pointer," said McCluskie.

"It's one we have got to win. I have criticised the players in the last few weeks but they have responded well.

"We have made hard work for ourselves and while there is still a chance we'll go for it.

"We struggled against Farsley on Saturday. Craig (Sargeson) missed the penalty and it rocked us a little bit and we let them back into the game."

But he said Sargeson's miss was just 'one of those things' and not a case of the player lacking in confidence.

"Craig has worked his socks off lately, especially since Gary Williams arrived, and he has shown more determination in recent weeks which is pleasing to see.

"The lad wants to do well and I think for the last three years he has had it all his own way, scoring 30 goals a season every time but it will have done him good to step up a division and realise it doesn't always go your own way.

"We got the result and the most pleasing thing was that we set about the game in the right way. The attitude was spot on which wasn't happening before."

Also in action tonight are Clitheroe, who travel to struggling Maine Road in NWCL Division One. Bacup are at home to Bootle in Division Two and Colne travel to bottom-of-the-league Castleton Gabriels.