DAVID Holdsworth has slapped a booze ban on his Mansfield Town players until the New Year - and will check they are complying with breath tests.

The no-nonsense Stags boss allowed the players to have a Christmas party after their weekend match with Wrexham was called off.

But now he is demanding strict professionalism leading up to Mansfield's important Boxing Day clash at fellow promotion hopefuls York City.

"It was good to give the boys a weekend off to get them some rest and allow those with illnesses to overcome them," said Holdsworth.

"But now the boys are training every day leading up to the York game, probably including Christmas Day.

"It's part of being a footballer and I don't think I had one year as a player when I didn't train on Christmas Day.

"As of yesterday, I have also imposed an alcohol ban for the Christmas period through to the New Year and, if needed, they will be breathalysed.

"It is only a little aspect, but an important one - and the good thing is the boys have bought into it.

"They have had their party and now it is down to business. They also know if they go about things the right way and get the right result at York, then I will give them the New Year off."

Holdsworth is delighted that Jake Speight is back in the reckoning following a knee injury.

The six-goal striker last played in the mid-November FA Cup first round replay defeat at home to Forest Green.

Holdsworth said: "Jake is ready and raring to go and he's available to start at York, which is a reward for him working his socks off.

"His levels of fitness have been maintained while he has been out and it's good to have him back because we have missed the impact he can make.

"He certainly comes into my thoughts for the Boxing Day match."