CHRISTMAS celebrations will be put on hold for the Radcliffe Borough players as they prepare for the Boxing Day clash at home to local rivals Ramsbottom United.

Manager Bill Prendergast says they will redouble their efforts in training this week after a “mad five minutes” cost them dear in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at home to Tadcaster Albion.

After Timmy Raheem handed them an early lead, they conceded just before half time then let in another two goals in two minutes after the break.

Despite Raul Correia pulling a goal back, they were unable to force their way back into the game, and fell below Rammy in the Evo-Stik First Division North table following their 4-2 win at Prescot Cables.

A bumper crowd is expected for the first meeting between the two clubs since Rammy were relegated last season. And Prendergast is eager to give the home fans something to cheer about.

“It is no different to any other game for me, but I absolutely get the fact it means a lot to the fans and those who have been connected to the club for a long time,” he said.

“So I will make sure the players understand that.

“There is nothing for me to celebrate this Christmas because we are 17th in the table, my celebrating will be done at the end of the season when we have achieved what we want to achieve.

“It will be the same for the players, they will work harder than any other team in this division over Christmas to be ready for this game.

“I expect Rammy will have the same mindset, but we will be ready for them. And I am sure the players will respond to the crowd with another big performance.”