CLITHEROE have a tough assignment at table-topping Vauxhall GM tonight.

Neil Kennedy (thigh) and Dave Gray (ankle) are both doubtful after picking up knocks in the 4-4 draw with Skelmersdale.

Meanwhile, Blues striker Brian Welch is awaiting the results of a scan on a knee problem that has been troubling him recently.

Welch is also struggling with an Achilles problem.

ROSSENDALE UNITED continue to make good progress on and off the field and that has delighted manager Micky Graham, who is eagerly looking forward to tomorrow's big FNWTFL Division One clash with highly-rated Newcastle Town at Dark Lane.

The football club this week took back control of the Dark Lane social club, a move which should prove of great financial benefit in the future.

"It means that whatever comes over the bar now goes straight to the club," said Graham, who has also signed up one of Rossendale's most promising young players on contract.

Former Burnley apprentice Scott Gilchrist, a 19-year-old midfielder, has put pen to paper after some good performances. And Graham could have a new signing in the squad for the visit of Newcastle, after putting seven days on Clitheroe striker Neil Ollerton.

If he signs tonight, then he is expected to join the Dale squad for a game which Graham believes will be a good test of how far his own side have progressed.

Carl Trimble will be back in the squad for RAMSBOTTOM UNITED's trip to Kidsgrove in the FNWTFL First Division.

And the Rams have the services of striker Steve Orrell on a full-time basis again, following the end of his cricket commitments.

"We haven't had the kind of start we wanted but there have been reasons for that," said Riverside secretary John Maher.

"With Atherton Collieries at home on Tuesday, we are looking for at least four points, possibly six, from these two games."

Having lost a number of players to Leek Town, Kidsgrove have won only three of their nine games so far and Ramsbottom have an opportunity to make progress. "We were unlucky to lose against Fleetwood in midweek, especially after the way we took the game to them in the second half," added the secretary.

The unavailability of skipper Gary Dalton and an injury to midfielder Scott Thornton mean that COLNE will again be understrength when they entertain Holker Old Boys in a FNWTFL Second Division mid-table clash.

"We have injuries and suspensions and a lot of young lads coming in," said Colne boss Denzil Hart.

"At the moment we are just trying to get the team settled down, because we have been a bit inconsistent.

"But I think we will see an improvement next month.

"Holker seem to have been similar to ourselves and the division is very tight again this year so it could well be a close game. We certainly don't expect any easy matches."

Goalkeeper Rob Mulloy and defender Les Thompson are both unavailable for NELSON'S crunch game away to Castleton Gabriels in the FNWTFL Second Division.

And striker Mark Robinson is still sidelined with hamstring problems as Nelson bid to maintain their unbeaten league record against the team currently lying second in the table.

"It's very important that we get something out of the game," said Nelson player-manager John Bailey.

"We must not come away empty-handed, though Castleton is not an easy place to go.

"I'm disappointed that we have a few key players missing but, hopefully, the lads who come in will do a good job for us."

On a brighter note, Craig Whitaker is now available after suspension and Glenn Little is back in contention after being unavailable through work commitments.

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