ROSSENDALE UNITED manager Jim McCluskie has set his side a target of seven wins from the last nine games to ensure a UniBond first division play-off place.

It is a tall order for a side that has won just once in the last 12 league games and has scored just 13 times - five of them in just one game - in that period.

But McCluskie, whose side have just started to find the net again after three virtually barren months, thinks they can do it.

"Of course we can. There are still a lot of points to play for," he said. "And we still have sides to play above us."

Dale beat Guiseley 5-1 just a fortnight ago and drew 3-3 with Trafford on Saturday before losing 1-0 to promotion chasers Radcliffe on Monday.

They now lie 10th in the first division with 13 wins from 33 games. They were fourth with 12 wins from 21 games after the Boxing Day win over Radcliffe Borough.

An Easter Monday win would have taken them to within four places of the last play-off place.

"I was disappointed to lose because I thought the game could have gone either way," said McCluskie

"But it gave us encouragement. We had a couple of chances but then they scored with 10 minutes to go which didn't give us much chance to get back into it."

Having scored eight in the last three games, McCluskie is hoping the goal drought is now over and that Dale can fire their way up the table.

The recent goal spree, he says, is mostly due to the arrival of loan star Gary Williams from Accrington Stanley, whose month's loan is up next Wednesday.

"His arrival gave everyone a kickstart and I will be hoping to take him for another month but John (Coleman) is reluctant."

Coleman wants the striker, who Doncaster paid £60,000 for two years ago, to be available for his side, who are in two cup finals at the end of the season.

And even more disappointing for McCluskie is the news that Williams may not be fit for tomorrow's visit of 14th place Witton Albion, who could go level on points with Dale if they win.

"Touch wood he will play but he has a slight hamstring strain," said McCluskie.

Chris Scott is also doubtful after missing Monday's game through illness.

New signing Paul Howarth, who joined until the end of the season from Accrington Stanley, is also a doubt with a bruised heel.