BEATING Rochdale would not be on the same scale as Wrexham's famous FA Cup win against Arsenal but Dean Keates has urged his players to write their own bit of history this weekend.

The Reds go into Sunday's first round tie at The Racecourse sitting in the National League relegation zone while opponents Rochdale are 15th in League One and favourites to progress.

But Keates hasn't written off his side's chances and wants Wrexham to pick up where they left off after beating leaders Bromley 1-0 on Saturday.

"We are the underdog, there are two divisions in it," said Keates.

"But it is an opportunity for us to go and show what the club is about.

"It has a great history of causing upsets so my lads could possibly write themselves a little bit of history.

"Go out, enjoy the game and the occasion; the TV cameras are here but ultimately you want win a football match.

"We want to build on what we did against the top of the league.

"It is a totally different challenge for us. Rochdale are an exciting team how they play the game, it is different to what we come up against week in, week out in the Conference which is a little bit more direct and physical.

"This is something different for us to assess and analyse, and for our lads to compete against."

Although Dale are favourites to reach the second round, Keates says that counts for nothing when the first whistle blows on Sunday lunchtime.

"There is an expectation for Rochdale but there is an expectation with us," added Keates.

"That is not being disrespectful to Rochdale, we want to go out and win a football game.

"We don't see ourselves as being two divisions below and we want to build on what we did at the weekend.

"It is a football match and ultimately when you cross that white line, it is 11 v 11."