Ben Killan: These are the games you want to be part of

Rochdale Hornets forward Ben Killan says the message is simple heading into Sunday's game against local rivals Swinton Lions: "Show up for each other, and show what we can do."

A hard-fought 20-16 victory over Betfred League 1 leaders North Wales Crusaders last time out saw the Hornets climb to fourth in the table - a position they still occupy ahead of this weekend's trip to Heywood Road. 

So often hard-fought affairs over the years, this weekend's encounter will hold even greater significance given it could have serious ramifications on the race for the top four. 

Gary Thornton's side are four points adrift of Swinton in the table - but Sunday's game is the Lions' last of the regular season, meaning a Rochdale win would leave them in a strong position in the battle for the top four. 

"I think the main thing this week is to keep turning up for each other," Killan said ahead of the game, which will be broadcast live on The Sportsman. 

"We’ve shown what we can do against the "top” teams in this league, and the same goes this Sunday. 

"These are the type of games you want to be a part of. All the boys are up for it, and hopefully we come away with the two points." 

While the Hornets have found the going tough at times this season - in what has been one of the most competitive third-tier campaigns for many years - they appear to have hit form at the right time. 

Prior to the victory over North Wales and Superhero Day triumph against Whitehaven, the Hornets also overcame Goole Vikings and Newcastle Thunder to-nil. 

Recent form has left the squad in a good place, but Killan insists they cannot afford to let complacency creep in during the final three games of the regular season. 

"We know what we’re capable of as a group," Killan added.

"It’s been frustrating at times this year, if I'm being honest, but that performance against North Wales proved that we can beat anyone on our day.

"The morale in the squad has been good all year, but over these past three or four weeks, we’ve really fought for each other.

"I think it’s showing on the pitch, but it’s important we continue to do that against Swinton and for the rest of the year."