COLNE will take a depleted squad to Ashton Town for their penultimate league game of the season tonight.
The North West Counties Division Two champions have a number of injuries after a hectic run-in, plus a 6.15pm kick-off means several players are unable to finish work in time to get to the game.
Manager Nigel Coates expects to be without Gary Rishton, Danny Heys, Craig Whitaker, Ian Simpson and goalkeeper Ross Baxter, as well as long-term injury victim Steve Whittaker after he suffered a broken leg in Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Great Harwood.
"Steve's snapped his tibia and fibula and will be in hospital for about a week, possibly even two," Coates said.
"But he had an operation on Saturday to have his leg pinned and, while he's in a lot of pain, he's doing well."
Coates, who may be forced to play himself tonight, said it was great for him and the players to finally get their hands on the North West Counties Division Two championship trophy on Saturday - a week after winning the title.
"That's what we've waited for all season," he said.
"We're just glad to get the title out of the way with a few games to go."
Coates will urge his players for one more push when they take on Great Harwood, for the third time in a week, in the Division Two Cup final at Clitheroe's Shawbridge ground on Monday (kick-off 7.30pm).
"We'll try to get everyone to pick themselves up for that," he said.
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