Beckwith needed on Boxing Day

Central defender Dean Beckwith was sorely missed last Saturday when he was unable to take his place in the Hereford United team that lost 3-0 to Morecambe.

Captain Karl Broadhurst took his place, but looked short of fitness after several weeks off.

Beckwith was reported to have gone down with a bug last Thursday and although recovering on Saturday didn't feel that he would do justice to the team if he played.

He is expected to regain his place on Boxing Day at Macclesfield.

Full-back Lee Collins was also affected by the bug last week but managed to play in the Morecambe game. Hopefully he will also be back to full fitness by Wednesday.

The other absentee from Saturday, Trevor Benjamin, was said to have tonsilitis. Whether he will be available is, as yet, unknown.

The squad are due in for light training on Christmas morning.

Macclesfield are currently 18th in the table and have gone five games without a win.

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