Bristol R v Rochdale preview
Last Updated: March 15, 2013 10:16am
Joe Anyinsah: Faces fitness test for Pirates
Team news for Saturday's League Two clash between Bristol Rovers and Rochdale at the Memorial Stadium.
Bristol Rovers will check on the fitness of midfielders Ollie Norburn (ankle) and Joe Anyinsah (hamstring).
Anyinsah was replaced by Ellis Harrison in the starting line-up for the 2-0 win over Port Vale and the youngster is likely to continue in the XI if the former Charlton winger's on-going problem rules him out.
Pirates boss John Ward is also hopeful that defender Mark McChrystal will be available again after he missed Tuesday night's victory with an ankle injury.
Danny Woodards replaced the loanee against Vale and the former MK Dons man could move back to the central midfield position he has made his own in recent weeks.
Rovers are now 11 points clear of the relegation zone thanks, in part, to their impressive home form. Ward's men have won six of their last eight matches at home.
Rochdale will be without midfielder Ritchie Jones once more.
Jones sustained an ankle injury in training ahead of last weekend's 4-1 win over Wycombe and also missed the goalless midweek draw at York.
Dale boss Keith Hill suggested the former Hartlepool and Oldham man could be back in contention for next week's home games against Gillingham and Southend.
"Ritchie turned his ankle on the Thursday before we played Wycombe and he has not recovered," Hill told his club's official website. "He should be back in training next week."
Elsewhere, forward Terry Gornell remains on the sidelines with a groin strain and young midfielder Reece Gray (broken leg) is a long-term absentee.
Matches
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npower League 2
Table
npower League 2
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gillingham | 46 | 83 |
| 2 | Rotherham United | 46 | 79 |
| 3 | Port Vale | 46 | 78 |
| 4 | Burton Albion | 46 | 76 |
| 5 | Cheltenham Town | 46 | 75 |
| 6 | Northampton Town | 46 | 73 |
| 7 | Bradford City | 46 | 69 |
| 8 | Chesterfield | 46 | 67 |
| 9 | Oxford United | 46 | 65 |
| 10 | Exeter City | 46 | 64 |
| 11 | Southend United | 46 | 61 |
| 12 | Rochdale | 46 | 61 |
| 13 | Fleetwood Town | 46 | 60 |
| 14 | Bristol Rovers | 46 | 60 |
| 15 | Wycombe Wanderers | 46 | 60 |
| 16 | Morecambe | 46 | 58 |
| 17 | York City | 46 | 55 |
| 18 | Accrington Stanley | 46 | 54 |
| 19 | Torquay United | 46 | 53 |
| 20 | AFC Wimbledon | 46 | 53 |
| 21 | Plymouth Argyle | 46 | 52 |
| 22 | Dagenham & Redbridge | 46 | 51 |
| 23 | Barnet | 46 | 51 |
| 24 | Aldershot Town | 46 | 48 |
