Manager Alan Buckley has urged his Grimsby charges to make a storming start to the new League Two campaign which kicks off on Saturday.Exactly 12 months ago the Mariners drew the opening four games of the 2007/08 season, but Buckley has demanded an improvement in form ahead of Saturday's visit of Rochdale.

Buckley said: "I think the first four games we played last season we got four draws and yet be probably outplayed every team we played against and that wasn't very satisfying.

"It would be very, very nice to get off to a flying start on Saturday and get three points against a very well-equipped team. I think since I've been back at Grimsby we've played them three times and they've beaten us three times so it's about time we've put that right for a start."

Keith Hill's Dale suffered play-off final heartache at the hands of Stockport in May and Buckley expects them to provide a stern test this weekend.

He added: "I think they had a fantastic season last season. They were one of the unfancied clubs if you like and they ended up at Wembley in the play-off final. That was a fantastic achievement for them and they always look very, very together, a cohesive unit and very fit."

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