ROSSENDALE UNITED boss Micky Graham will wait for news on hamstring victims Sean Bursnell, Jason Heffernan and Danny Heys before naming his side for the visit of Prescot Cables.

The Dale trio aggravated the injuries in last weekend's 2-1 win at Glossop North End - United's third victory in four league outings.

If they fail to make it the Stags boss will take the opportunity to blood a couple of players from the club's youth side for what is sure to be a stern examination against a Cables side pushing for a top six spot.

"I wanted to bring a few of the youth team players through in our last 10 league games anyway," said Graham.

"Depending on the injury situation we'll sit down tonight and have a look at it."

CLITHEROE will be forced to make several changes for their trip to Leek CSOB.

Chris Grimshaw is not available, while Darren Norman is suspended. Mark Stewart and Neil Ollerton both picked up ankle ligament injuries in the midweek win over Darwen.

But Andrew Taylor returns to Steve Parry's squad.

"We need to be more consistent," said Parry. "Just as we appear to be putting a decent run together we slip up."

DARWEN striker John Whittaker will miss the rest of the season after going into hospital for an operation on a long-standing knee injury. But player-boss Steve Wilkes is hoping to re-sign Jerome Fitzgerald in time for their trip to rock-bottom Oldham Town.

The Anchormen are desperate to get back to winning ways after going almost three months without a league victory.

The last time they picked up three points was at home to Oldham on January 2nd.

"It's a blow to lose John but we'll just have to get on with it without him," said Wilkes.

"No disrespect to Oldham but it's the type of game where I can have a look at a few different things so I might go with three up front with a view to Monday night's second leg with Clitheroe."

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED defender Dave Roache could be on his way to UniBond First Division outfit Trafford after the Manchester club served the Rams with a seven day notice.

United reported Trafford to the Football Association several weeks ago after they signed Billy McCartney following an illegal approach but their latest swoop is all above board. "It seems like the penny has finally dropped," said secretary John Maher.

"Nobody likes to lose a player but at least if they go about it in the right way it gives you a chance to try and persuade him to stay."

Meanwhile, Danny Goodhall is out of tomorrow's trip to Salford City and could face up to three weeks on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury.

Goalkeeper Paul Horridge will also be missing through suspension but assistant boss Mike Kelly, who deputised in Tuesday night's victory over Maine Road, will once again step in. GREAT HARWOOD look to continue their great escape from the bottom of the Unibond League First Division when they entertain mid-table Radcliffe Borough tomorrow (kick-off 1pm).

Harwood looked dead and buried before Denis Underwood took charge.

But three wins and a draw in their last four games have revitalised the club and another win tomorrow would take Harwood level on points with Whitley Bay at the foot of the table if the Tynesiders lose tonight.

And with Bay and fellow strugglers, Alfreton, Farsley Celtic and Congleton four of the seven sides still to visit the Showground, Underwood's men could yet achieve the impossible.

"If we can carry on the way we are going we have got a chance to get off the bottom. That's the challenge," said the Harwood boss. "To get out of the bottom three is a tall order but we will keep going.

"Everybody writing us off has helped because there's no pressure. The lads have just gone out and enjoyed it.

"In the last two games we have been under a bit of pressure late on but we have soaked it up and the lads have responded to what I've told them before games and at half-time unbelievably. The spirit is superb." Harwood ended Bradford Park Avenue's eight-match unbeaten run in mid-week but the downside was injuries to Mark Henshaw (hamstring) and Neil Kennedy (face).

Both are doubtful for tomorrow but Underwood may add Mark Robinson and Dave Livsey to his squad.

NELSON player-manager John Bailey is hoping to sign a loan striker in time for tomorrow's derby clash at home to Colne in the North-West Trains League second Division.

Bailey's forward options have been decimated with Matt Shiels, Jonathan Irvine, Nigel Coates and Steve Ross all out of contention.

The Nelson boss, who may dust off his own boots after not playing since September, will also give a late fitness check to Mark Robinson.

"We have got a defeat to avenge from the last time we played them," said Bailey.

"Denzil Hart has done a good job with the resources he has got and my players will have to be up for it, because they will be."

BACUP BOROUGH manager Brent Peters also has injury problems to contend with ahead of tomorrow's visit of Formby.

Damian Moran (fractured foot) and Colin Lambert (groin) are out and midfielder Simon Cash is doubtful with a foot injury. Recent signings Paul Thomas and Jason Rogers could figure and Peters may also take the chance to use some of his younger players.

Bacup will be glad to get back into action after last night's derby with Colne at Holt House was postponed late on because of a waterlogged pitch - a decision that left Peters fuming.

"We have lads coming over from Manchester and Rochdale who had to rush away from work and we have played on a lot worse than that," he said.

COLNE will be looking to do the double over NWTL Second Division neighbours Nelson at Victoria Park.

Denzil Hart's men beat the Blues 2-1 earlier in the season and would certainly settle for a repeat, although the Reds boss anticipates another tight scrap.

"You never know what can happen in derbies but I'm sure it's going to be closely fought.

"They've had an inconsistent season, very much like ourselves, but they're a more experienced side than us so we'll have to work hard to match them." CHORLEY need to start putting away their chances if they want to avoid the drop.

Dalton Steele's men created enough danger to have beaten both Blyth and Guiseley in their last two matches but only have one point to show for their efforts after failing to hit the target.

And the Magpies can't afford any similar slip ups at Runcorn tomorrow (kick off 1pm) in a game they have to win to keep any thoughts of survival alive.

"It's been very frustrating. We've made the chances but we're just not sticking them away and when that happens players start to lose the belief," said Steele.

"But I'm still very confident we can do it provided we don't panic."

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