ROSSENDALE United could be expelled from the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy after failing to fulfil their first round tie at Morecambe last night.

A club spokesman said yesterday: "Tonight's game at Morecambe is off due to our injury list, coupled with players being unavailable due to work commitments.

"We have suggested alternative dates to the LFA and hope a new date can be arranged. We have not withdrawn from the competition although the LFA may choose to expel us.

"In this course of events unfold they will be robustly challenged."

However, this morning Morecambe claimed that Rossendale had withdrawn fro the competition and announced that they will play Clitheroe in the second round on January 6.

Meanwhile, Rossendale face a tough Boxing Day test at Dark Lane against Prescot Cables, who lie sixth in the UniBond Division One table following promotion from the North West Counties last season.

But Dale have team selection problems in the form of striker Brian Welch (knee) and Matt Holdsworth (thigh) struggling with injury.

Doni Clarke is battling to shake off a knock to his knee but Simon Burton was expected to have recovered from flu in time to feature on Friday.

Meanwhile, manager Paul Lynch has had an operation on his knee. The former Dale captain is hoping to have recovered in time to take part in pre-season training and resume his playing career next term.