COLNE boss Nigel Coates has an early wish on his Christmas list - a place in the top six.

That's how well he thinks his side has adjusted to North West Counties Division One football following 10 goals in their last three games.

Although one of them ended in a 4-3 defeat to Skelmersdale last Saturday, Tuesday's 1-0 win over Maine Road has renewed confidence ahead of tomorrow's visit of Alsager Town.

Coates said: "We've got more of an idea of the pace of games in this league now, it's another 15 or 20 per cent up on last year.

"We need to put a run of results together and that will give us more momentum. At the moment when we win a couple we go and lose one and it's back to square one.

"That's why I'm looking for six points from the next two games because a run of form could take us into the top six by Christmas and we can push on from there."

Paul Walker is doubtful after missing the Maine Road win but Danny Potts should be available to face Alsager.

The Cheshire men have only been beaten twice this season and Coates has tried to get the low down on them from Ramsbottom United -- whose only defeat this season have come against Alsager.

Coates said: "We'll have to stand up to them physically and hope the football will get us through it."

North West

Counties League