KEITH Curle has turned up the heat on Rochdale before tonight's clash with Chester by declaring: 'You won't stop us scoring!'

The Blues boss has backed his in-form strikeforce to continue delivering the goals, even though he expects fifth-placed Dale to provide stubborn opposition.

Curle played under Dale boss Steve Parkin at Barnsley and he knows his former mentor will send out a well-drilled team.

But he is confident Chester will be more than a match for League Two's fifth-placed side.

'Tactically, Steve Parkin will have his ideas about how to nullify us but also be a threat,' said Curle. 'They won't roll over easily.

'They'll be gritty and determined and they've got players who can score goals if you allow them to play. Can they keep their back door shut? I don't think so.'

The City boss added: 'If teams want to go toe-to-toe with us, our lads won't back down. If teams want to play free-flowing football and open the game up, then get ready. We've got goals in our team.'

The Blues have averaged almost two goals a game this season, with Gregg Blundell leading the way with six ahead of strike partners Ryan Lowe (five), Michael Branch (three) and Marcus Richardson (three).

At the other end of the pitch, Curle confirmed centre-back Dave Artell will have to shackle Rochdale's nine-goal forward Grant Holt.

The Blues boss feels the talismanic defender is well-suited to handling the bustling Holt.

'The physical type of play that Grant Holt likes to play will suit Dave Artell down to the ground,' said Curle.

Curle has a near full-strength squad to pick from, with defender Sean Hessey (knee) the only senior player unavailable.

* A strong Chester reserve side containing six senior players needed an injury time penalty from Rob Marsh-Evans to earn a 1-1 draw with Wrexham at Buckley on Wednesday.

Fit-again Phil Bolland, Abdou El Kholti, Stephen Vaughan, Craig Dove, Leo Bertos and Tom Curle all featured.

* Chester are in the final stages of arranging a return bus service to carry supporters from the Town Hall to home matches. The club hopes to get the service up and running in time for the home game against Bury on October 22.

* Fans tonight have the chance to win a signed match ball from Chester's victory over Carlisle. Raffle tickets costing £1 will be on sale at the ticket office before kick-off and the winner will be presented with the ball by tonight's man-of-the-match after the game.