Scarborough manager Russ Slade was disappointed that the New Year's Day game at Doncaster was called off at the last minute as he was going to reveal a new formation to the fans.

However, the day off has provided his squad with extra time to rest and recuperate ahead of tomorrow's Nationwide Conference clash against Burton Albion at the McCain Stadium.

"We had worked hard on it (the new formation) in training and we were really geared up for the game," he said.

"But now we are looking forward to Burton. They are a side who have adapted well to the Conference and are pretty solid away from home."

Slade has no injury worries as Mark Hotte and David Holdsworth are both fit, with Slade adding: "In one way the loss of the Doncaster game gave these two a bit longer to get 100 per cent right."

However, the manager revealed that he is preparing to freshen up his squad as he intends to "wheel and deal in the loan market to make sure we stay with the leading pack in the Conference".

Utility man Paul Dempsey, who Slade knows from his days at Northampton Town, has returned from playing in Australia and will sign for the club as soon as his international clearance has been received.

His arrival will be well timed as next week's trip to Stalybridge Celtic in the FA Trophy will see Slade's side be without Neil Campbell, Keith Scott and Jason Blunt all through suspension.

Scarborough (v Burton): Woods, Hotte, Shepherd, Holdsworth, Ormerod, Stoker, Blunt, Pounder, Mallon, Rose, Campbell, Scott, Fatokun, Brassart, Henry, Dryden, Walker.

Updated: 11:47 Friday, January 03, 2003