TO COIN a phrase doing the rounds at the Crucible this weekend, Rochdale need snookers.

It’s not enough for Keith Hill’s side just to beat City tomorrow.

They also need favours from Bristol Rovers and neighbours Bury to sneak in through the play-off back door.

As it stands, eighth-placed Rochdale are the outsiders in the race for the final spot.

Millwall are currently in pole position in sixth with a two-point advantage, although Dale have a marginally better goal difference.

Southend are sandwiched in between them a point ahead of Hill's men.

For Dale to make a late dash into the play-offs, they have to be the only final-day winners among the trio.

Millwall travel to Bristol Rovers, who are very strong at home, and Southend host a Bury side still needing a point to guarantee League One survival.

The odds are stacked against Rochdale but Hill, pictured, maintains it is nowhere near cut and dried.

Last week’s draw at Oldham looked like an opportunity missed when Millwall and Southend both slipped up.

The Dale boss, however, is happy to still be in the race as it reaches its climax.

Hill said: “I’m really pleased we are still in with an opportunity of finishing in the top six. Who would have thought it?

“We go into the last game against Bradford full of confidence and commitment and to see if we can get the job done.

“It’s important to make the most of this opportunity because the season is a long slog. We’ll go all out to create something special which hasn’t been achieved before at this club.

“It’s in the lap of the football gods but we’ll give it our best shot. This is an exciting position to be in after 45 games.

“We’re exceeding our financial ceiling with what we’ve achieved but we still have the drive and ambition.”