RADCLIFFE Boro entertain Burscough tonight at Stainton Park in the Unifilla First Division Cup second round, with the majority of an 18 strong squad of players unsure whether their name will feature in the starting line up. Manager Kevin Glendon rang the changes for Saturday's away game at Whitley Bay leaving out Joe Connor, Ian Lunt, Stuart Leicester, Steve Eyre and Alex Jones. Youth was given a fling with Craig Holt, James Price, Simon Kelly and Andy Taylor promoted from the Reserves. Three players who have recently spent more time on the subs bench than playing came into the starting line up, and Paul Mullin, Paul Allen and Simon Carden grabbed the opportunity to show their worth with both hands. The changes worked a treat, with Boro earning a 1-0 win. This Saturday is the biggest occasion of the season thus far for the club, with Conference side Northwich Victoria the visitors in the FA "Umbro" Trophy Third Round. Glendon commented: "I used Saturday to have a close look at some fringe players ,and they certainly did enough to have earned another chance. Only by throwing players in there are you ever going to find out whether they are up to it, and I was delighted with what I saw on Saturday from these lads. We also played with just three across the back, and it worked extremely well. They've given me plenty to think about, and there are still one or two things I want to try out, plus I currently have one or two irons in the fire."

Central defenders Loz Greenhalgh and David Bean are still out with injury. Atherton LR and Ramsbottom United clash at Crilly Park tonight, in a mouth watering North Western Trains League Division One derby.

LR's topsy turvy season was epitomised in the course of the seven days of last week. A 1-0 win over Clitheroe was followed by a drab performance and deserved 2-0 defeat at Maine Road, then back to top song on Saturday for a 2-1 away win at Leek CSOB.

The Rams shouldn't be fooled into thinking tonight it's the turn of a "downer" for Rovers. The only thing you can bank on with LR at the minute is their unpredictability. When they are bad they are dismal, but when they are good they look capable of living with anyone. Manager Steve Cunningham is hoping defenders Steve Dixon and Mike Smith will be fit to come back into contention. Doubtful will be striker Jonathan Dunne with a hamstring problem, and Timmy Leather with a back strain. Welcomed back this weekend to Crilly Park as First Team coach was former Daisy Hill assistant manager Tommy Foster.

Ramsbottom manager Ken Bridge has goalkeeping worries for the big game, as recent signing Paul Horridge has a groin strain. Reserve team keeper Ian Wilcock is expected to step up. Full back Mick Langhorn is out through suspension, but Danny Goodall and Warren Brierley have now served their penance and will be available. Atherton Colls home League Challenge Cup Second Round tie with St Helens Town has been brought forward 24 hours to tonight. Boss Alan Lord will be without Mark Jones and Mark Fitton who are cup-tied, plus suspended Paul Whittle, Stuart Hampson is an injury doubt with a hamstring problem.

The much postponed Goldline Trophy Semi Final between Atherton Town and Blackrod Town has been set for Thursday (January 14) night at Crilly Park, ko 7.30pm. Radcliffe Boro entertain Burscough tonight at Stainton Park in the Unifilla First Division Cup second round, with the majority of an 18 strong squad of players unsure whether their name will feature in the starting line up.

Manager Kevin Glendon rang the changes for Saturday's away game at Whitley Bay leaving out Joe Connor, Ian Lunt, Stuart Leicester, Steve Eyre and Alex Jones. Youth was given a fling with Craig Holt, James Price, Simon Kelly and Andy Taylor promoted from the reserves. Three players who have recently spent more time on the subs bench than playing came into the starting line up, and Paul Mullin, Paul Allen and Simon Carden grabbed the opportunity to show their worth with both hands. The changes worked a treat, with Boro earning a 1-0 win. This Saturday is the biggest occasion of the season thus far for the club, with Conference side Northwich Victoria the visitors in the FA "Umbro" Trophy third round. Glendon commented: "I used Saturday to have a close look at some fringe players, and they certainly did enough to have earned another chance. Only by throwing players in there are you ever going to find out whether they are up to it, and I was delighted with what I saw on Saturday from these lads.

"We also played with just three across the back, and it worked extremely well. They've given me plenty to think about, and there are still one or two things I want to try out, plus I currently have one or two irons in the fire."

Central defenders Loz Greenhalgh and David Bean are still out with injury.

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