RADCLIFFE BORO will be without Tony Whealing and Lee Kissock when they bid to get back into action at Spennymoor United on Saturday.
Both are suspended for one match as Boro look to make up for lost time after playing just once in the last four weeks.
That was a Boxing Day derby defeat to Rossendale United that knocked them of the top of the Unibond Division One table, but they are still just a point behind new leaders, Harrogate Town.
"We had a really good training session the other night and the lads really looked sharp and up for it," said Boro's assistant manager Mike Farrelly.
"They can't wait to get back into action and our next two games are really important now if we want to consolidate our position at the top of the table.
"You don't mind missing one game over Christmas, but this has gone on too long now."
Farrelly's only injury doubt is over midfielder Scott Wilson, who is struggling with a knee injury, but centre back David Bean appears to have overcome his knee problem and is ready for a return after building up the muscles in his knee with plenty of work in the gym.
Spennymoor have just appointed a new manager in Tony Lee, who made the short journey from nearby Bishop Auckland in double quick time.
Lee lost patience with the Bishops board after they cut the budget for a second time and within 24 hours was installed as the new boss at Brewery Field.
Spennymoor came down from the Premier Division last season and have struggled themselves financially recently, but Lee intends to ring the changes over the next few weeks and bring in a few new faces. He brought about an immediate change with a 2-0 win at Matlock a fortnight ago after the team had picked up just 20 points from their previous 19 games and he says: "We are mainly planning for next season now and trying to get the players in to help us do that."
Some good news off the field, Boro have been granted 89 per cent of the £330,000 needed to build a new dressing room complex at Stainton Park.
Chairman Bernard Manning Junior said: "We are delighted with that. We have got to make sure our funds are in place for the £35,000 we have to find towrads the project, but we are getting busy making sure we can do that.
"How long it's all going to take I don't know. We are targetting the first week in May to make a start and, hopefully, we will start next season with a new dressing room block."
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