AFTER last weekend's stunning 4-2 win at Unibond Division One clear leaders Lincoln United, Radcliffe Boro supporters could quite justifiably believe their side is capable of anything come the New Year. That result may not have moved the Stainton Park outfit further up the table than the current sixth place berth, but there is still a long way to go, two promotion places to fight for, and the leading clubs have begun to show signs of fallibility.

Boxing Day sees struggling Witton Albion the visitors to Stainton Park, followed on the Monday by a trip over into Yorkshire for the fixture at Farsley Celtic. Both those games are winnable for Boro, and what a difference six points would make to the New Year festivities.

Manager Kevin Glendon is planning to have everyone up to speed and prepared to the full for that five month season run-in. Midfielder Jon Senior is fit again and raring to go after his broken arm injury, but First Team chances are limited due to the side currently going so well. Former Daisy Hill and Atherton LR midfield-cum-forward man Danny Mills is another currently not figuring in the starting line up, but who could be vital should the situation arise. Glendon has arranged for the two to go out to North Western Trains League Division One side Clitheroe on a month's loan. Winger Joe Connor returns after missing the last two games due to a family bereavement, and Loz Greenhalgh is expected to have shaken off the effects of flu.

Boxing Day sees the all Atherton clash at Alder House as Colls entertain LR. Miracle cures are currently being sought by both club managers. Colls will be without injured Dougie Owen and Paul Whittle, plus John Doyle who is working and Chris Arnold who is away.

The first team squad has also been hit this week with a flu bug hitting Mark Fitten, Luke Hardman, Gary Andrews and Jason Holroyd.

LR have long term injury worries with Martin Littlewood and brothers Anthony and Chris Smith likely to miss the rest of the season. Mike Smith and the club's other siblings Frank and Steve Bird, plus John Rust are late fitness test doubts for the big game. The largest crowd of the season is expected at Alder House for this one with so much local pride at stake, old scores to settle and three vital points up for grabs.

On Monday Colls entertain second in the table Kidsgrove Athletic, while LR travel to Skelmersdale United.

Continuing the local derby holiday fare, Ramsbottom United have big rivals Rossendale United as visitors to the Riverside Ground, and Daisy Hill entertain Ashton Town.

The Rams will be without star striker Russell Brierley who dislocated a shoulder after just 20 minutes of the weekend's home win over Leek CSOB. The injury has been clipped with the highly rated forward expected to be out until February.

Manager Ken Bridge has options for cover readily available. Andy Clarke came on as sub for the stricken star last week and certainly impressed. He would seem the logical straight replacement, but midfielder Steve Brennan can also lead the front line, and young Mark Westhead recently impressed when given a 20 minute run-out as sub.

Daisy will look to boost new managers Bob Thomason and Hughie Toher for the New Year, with a second win in two games under their stewardship. Neither of these two clubs has a game on Monday.

All kick offs are 3pm.

Club numbers: Radcliffe Boro 0161 724 8346; Atherton Colls 01942 884649; Atherton LR 01942 883950; Ramsbottom Utd 01706 822799; Daisy Hill 01942 818544.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.