Beleagured Scarborough take a welcome break from their division three troubles for the visit of Rochdale in tomorrow's opening salvo in the FA Cup.

The Seasiders, currently one place off the bottom of the Football League and without a win in their last eight games, desperately need a cup run to kick start their season.

Youngster Matthew Russell, who has started just one match this season - the 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Hull City - could be in line for a recall after starring in an otherwise disappointing performance by Boro's reserves when losing 3-0 to Darlington in midweek.

But manager Mick Wadsworth was today keeping his cards close to his chest.

"He certainly had a very good game and he will certainly be in the squad," said a cautious Boro boss.

Former York City full back Paddy Atkinson's place could be under threat from another youngster, Richard Jackson.

Atkinson was blamed for the solitary second-half goal which handed Cardiff City all three points in Tuesday night's match at Ninian Park.

"We played really well and didn't deserve to lose," said Wadsworth.

The touching of gloves with Rochdale at the McCain Stadium marks the first 'leg' of a cup and league double header for Boro against their Lancashire opponnents.

Mick Wadsworth's charges are due to travel to Spotland on Tuesday night in a rearranged league fixture following the postponement of last month's match due to torrential rain.

Meanwhile, frustrated Boro fans are to hold an independent forum tonight despite a reported off-field truce called between the two sides fighting for control of the stricken club.

A marathon seven-hour board meeting was held earlier this week amid reports former owners John and Gillian Russell are seeking legal advice to try and wrestle control from current chairman Anton Johnson following his summer takeover.

The fans forum will be held at The Cricketer's pub, North Marine Road, starting at 7.30pm.

Scarborough from: Elliott, Kay, Atkinson, Worrall, Lydiate, Marinkov, Bullimore, Hoyland, Brodie, Williams, Robinson, Campbell, Russell, Jackson, McNaughton.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.