Some 204 days will have elapsed between the Minstermen's two visits there in 2026.

Saturday's appointment will create nothing like the incredulous theatre of events on April 25, but the hope among the York contingent is that it produces another milestone moment, nevertheless.

Back in late spring, York ended their decade-long absence from the Football League in the most scarcely-believable stoppage-time finale ever.

On this occasion, the wait for the Minstermen revolves around securing their maiden away victory as an EFL club once again. Their last win on the road as a league club was back in September 2015.

Scott Lindsey wasn't present in Lancashire, last time out, but he stressed that those astonishing scenes will form part of his pre-match preparations, as the majority of York players are still at the club.

The York chief said: "I think it's important that the players feel that environment when they turn up at the stadium again. I can't comment on that because I obviously wasn't here then.

"But all that they will remember are good memories from that stadium. And I think that is important. So we'll definitely be leaning on that.

"I think it's important that we do mention it.

"But it's for the players to remember those memories. It can only be a good thing that the last time they were there, what happened."

The hero last time out was Josh Stones, whose 103rd-minute goal sparked ecstatic scenes among York's 1,500-following and 4,000-odd watching the beam-back at the LNER Community Stadium.

Stones had done it tough since and is being integrated back into the first-team following a lumbar glute injury. Suffice to say, he is desperate to be involved at Dale.

Lindsey added: "It's like caging a lion, isn't it? He'll be coming out of the traps ready to go again.

"I think he showed some frustration in the fact that he didn't play in the Bradford game. He wanted to play, which is great. I want players who want to play, which is fantastic.

"But we have to be really mindful of his load, bearing in mind he's been out for so long. And hopefully we get a fresher Josh Stones who can come on the pitch on Saturday and make a real impact.

"And the more we do that, the closer we're getting to him to be a starter for us."