ROSSENDALE manager Jim McCluskie has described the current situation at Dark Lane as 'dire'.

Ninth placed Dale have eight first teamers on the treatment table and have won only once in the last nine games after being one of the early pacesetters in the UniBond First Division.

They travel to Lincoln United tomorrow - a team level on points with them - in desperate need of a morale-boosting victory

"We have a few problems," said McCluskie. "It's dire, and we lost Chris Willcocks as well after Tuesday night."

Dale crashed out of the FA Trophy 2-0 at Bedworth after throwing away a two-goal lead in the first game on Saturday.

After losing Steve Bird with a broken leg it is the defence where McCluskie has the biggest problem.

"We are actively looking for players to bring in but we don't want to sign anybody just for the sake of signing them.

"Ricky Harris could be back in contention for Saturday and hopefully we'll have a few more back next week."