The Maroons bounced back from a crushing defeat at Birkenhead Park with an impressive performance to sweep aside Rochdale, and collect a bonus point, to narrow the gap between themselves and leaders Stockport to four points and Morley have a game in hand.

Three of their remaining seven matches are at Scatcherd Lane and the side must make the most of them to finish top.

Morley have signed centre Charlie Spon-Smith, from Sheffield Tigers, whose registration came through just before last Saturday's game and he made his debut in place of Liam Frost, who was still suffering the effects of a neck injury.

Spon-Smith made a good impact and the fact that Frost, who has been in fine form, will be fit again this weekend, gives coach Peter Seabourne a selection problem.

Seabourne and his coaching staff were delighted with the showing against Rochdale. He added: "It was a massive leap forward, the attitude after the defeat at Birkenhead Park was very good during the week and the concentration was there in training.

"Not everything was perfect but there was a 90 per cent improvement from the previous game.

"A big difference this time was that we created six or seven chances at Birkenhead Park and didn't take any of them. Last Saturday we had about the same number of chances and took almost all of them.

"Simon Bradshaw got those four tries and finished really well but the lads inside created things for him. The forwards dominated the scrums and the majority of the lineouts James Darbyshire had a shoulder problem but he threw the ball well and we utilised the possession.

"We eased off a bit in the second half when players tried to score from every play. Rochdale caused some problems, mainly through their stand-off, which we expected, but we told the lads to enjoy themselves after getting the bonus point and they did."

Chester are in fourth place and will be very much up for the game after going down 9-3 to the Maroons in November. Seabourne remarked: "They are playing catch-up in the league and will be hard to beat. They are a physical side and will be as keen as mustard. We shall have to be ready.

"We shall look at the video of last Saturday's match and tweak a few things but it should be another good contest."

Bradshaw's four tries took his tally for the season to 14 and another touchdown for Craig Field meant he has scored six tries in the last six games and seven for the season.

But the effort of the pack was particularly pleasing and the forwards have invariably set a good platform throughout the campaign, being ready to do the hard graft and give the backs room to move.

Morley are well aware of the need for bonus points as the crunch time of the season approaches.