ROSSENDALE United go into tomorrow's game against Harrogate Railway hoping some of their opponents' FA Cup magic can rub off on them.

Railway earned a place in the second round proper last season, missing out on further progress after losing 3-1 to Bristol City.

Dale manager Jim McBride would love nothing more than to see his side emulate that success this year. And he has the perfect player among his ranks to help achieve that aim.

"Harrogate Railway might have reached the second round, but we've got Chris Perkins in our side and he played in the FA Cup semi final for Chesterfield when they were beaten by Middlesbrough in 1997," he said.

"Our club would love a run in the Cup, but a lot of the time it's all about the luck of the draw and whether other teams have injuries and suspensions.

"We'll be hoping for our fair share of luck tomorrow."

He added: "The FA Cup always brings you that little bit of magic so we're really looking forward to the game."

Chris Fitzsimmons (thigh) and Russ Brierley (chest) will undergo late fitness tests but Rossendale will definitely be without Greg Challender, who signed from Hyde United on Tuesday, because he is cup-tied.