IAN Street is facing up to the prospect of being without defender Danny Thomas for the rest of the season.

The 1874 Northwich back-marker suffered a serious facial injury during last weekend’s 1-0 win against Hanley Town following an accidental collision with an opponent.

He will only know the full extent of the damage done following a scan next week.

Mark Jones, sent off during the same game, does not serve a suspension until next month.

He is likely to partner Ryan Mitchell, who hopes to shake off an illness in time to play in the centre of the home team’s defence against Padiham tomorrow.

Street has been boosted though by the return to fitness of wide man Joe Woolley, who starred for neighbours Knutsford in a victory against Congleton Vale in the Cheshire League’s top-flight last weekend.

He followed that with another encouraging performance during friendly against Altrincham’s reserves on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old, who has had a hamstring strain, has not played for 1874 since a substitute appearance at Silsden in November.

If selected, Lee Jones will make his 50th appearance for the club.