Thornton said: "This is a big game for us. We've been looking at the fixtures and if Halifax and Doncaster lose then we can go into the LHF Healthplan League One top six if we win."

Andy Bailey is set to make his Rochdale debut but Hornets coach Darren Abram still has doubts over Paul Norman (knee).

Abram said: "We got out of jail last week and we can't afford to do the same on Sunday".

"Playing at Batley is always difficult but this year they've also got some decent players as well as a good blend of experience and youth to back it all up. They seem to be playing well at the moment so we'll have to be ready for a battle." The other matches.