JODY BANIM is facing the prospect of missing out on a Boxing Day bash against his old club Rossendale United because of suspension.

Radcliffe Borough's 19-goal leading scorer has accumulated five bookings and the club are sweating on receiving notification that Banim must serve a ban.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that we don't hear anything before Boxing Day, otherwise Jody could miss out," said Boro's assistant manager, Mike Farrelly.

Another player who faces being sidelined over the first part of the festive period at least is centre back David Bean.

He limped off with a knee injury during last Saturday's 2-1 home win over Eastwood Town and is seeing a physiotherapist to try to get an eaxct diagnosis of the injury.

"It looks like he might have tweaked the ligaments," said Farrelly. "He's very doubtful for Saturday at Lincoln and may be missing against Rossendale as well." Otherwise, Boro came through Tuesday night's UniBond League Cup Group game at Burscough with no more injury worries and, apart from Bean, should be at full strength at Ashby Avenue.

Lincoln are currently lying 15th in the UniBond Division One table, 20 points behind Boro, who lead the table by two points from Harrogate Town.

They have had a very mediocre season so far which is thought to have led to the recent resgnation of chairman Peter Doyle.

He went on record as saying nothing less than promotion would do for United this season, but behind the scenes unrest led to his departure.

One player for Boro to watch out for on Saturday will be 18-year-old striker Simon Bird, who has scored in both games he has played in while home for Christmas from a four-year soccer scholarship in Kentucky.

Lee Soar is United's mainstay at the back, but they have the worst defensive record in the division and goals are virtually guaranteed on Saturday.

There is a cautionary note though for the visitors, Lincoln went away from Satinton Park with a 2-0 win back on September 8, so, as Farrelly says: "They turned us over on our own patch. That will gee the lads up to get their own back."

Manager Kevin Glendon was due back in the office on Thursday after his recent illness, but planned to take things easy with a long break over Christmas before contemplating a full return to work. Mike Farrelly will remain in charge of the team for the trip to Lincoln. "I feel better," said Glendon. "I am just waiting for the results of the tests now so they can tell me exactly what has happened and whether it was angina or stomach ulcers."

Glendon has had complete rest since being struck down on his way from Boro's home game with Leek Town on December 1.

There have been no surprises from the players, "apart from them getting beaten at Matlock," joked Glendon.

"I am sure they would have been on the phone, but Faz warned them off."

Glendon attended the games at Accrington Stanley a week last night and Saturday's home game against Eastwood as a spectator, but he says: "I have been getting really bored. I can't stand that, but this happening has made me realise a lot of things.

"I certainly won't be going in to work at 8am and staying in the office until nine at night anymore."

Crewe Alexandra are still keeping tabs on Boro right Richard Battersby after his two-week trial at Gresty Road.

"They want him to go back, probably in the summer. They are still interested in Richard," said Farrelly.

Boro have a league fixture at Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday December 29 (kick-off 3pm).