RAMSBOTTOM manager Mike Kelly has gone on the defensive after seeing his side leak nine goals in their last two games.

The Rams boss has put a centre half on top of his Christmas wish list -- although he admits his number one target may have to be a belated New Year present.

Kelly, who is again without the services of defensive lynchpin Dave Roach, is keeping tabs on last season's player of the season Mike Smith, released from Rossendale last week.

He said: "Mike would be the answer to our defensive problems but he has work commitments until the New Year.

"It is no coincidence that we have conceded so many goals in our last two games with Dave Roach out of the side and I am definitely looking to strengthen our defence."

Keeper Alan Fairbrother may also miss the visit of NWCL Division One high-fliers Skelmesdale while Mike Langhorn (knee) and Andy Walsh (virus) are both out.

But Kelly has signed former Ramsbottom shot-stopper Paul Horridge as cover for Fairbrother.

Ramsbottom's unbeaten run came to an end after high scoring defeats against Kidgrove (5-3) and Glossop (4-3).

Kelly added: "I have drilled it in to the players that they have to stop making mistakes at the back because at this level you get punished for them.

"Scoring goals has not been a problem but the way we have conceded them in recent games is cause for concern."