CHORLEY boss Mark Patterson is willing to let Marcus Hallows sign for Altrincham on a permanent basis.

Hallows has played a major role in the Cheshire club's run to the fifth round of the FA Trophy during his three-month spell at Moss Lane, which comes to an end next week.

Altrincham boss Graham Heathcote has indicated he would like Hallows to stay at the club and, as a contract player at Chorley, Patterson would rather have him off the wage bill than have to ship other players out to make way.

After Tom Raw and Danny Queally scored the Magpies' goals that beat leaders Matlock Town last Saturday, Patterson is in no hurry to find extra firepower.

He said: "Marcus is on good money and we have to balance the budget when he returns so one or two may have to be shifted out.

"He is a contract player so if he stays we have to start balancing the books.

"Nobody is going to shift the two kids playing up front at the moment so if Marcus comes back he will be a squad player.

"Whether he figures or not is a different story but I'm willing to listen to offers for him."

Last Saturday Raw was a revelation as he made a dream debut at Victory Park following his loan signing form Scarborough.

Patterson said: "Tom came in and the first thing he did inside the first 20 seconds was clatter their centre half so he knew he was going to be in a game.

"Then he scored probably the best goal of the season with a fantastic chip from 20 yards. It gave everybody a big lift.

"Danny has also given us a massive boost since coming in from the youth team."

The return from injury of Jamie Bates and Anthony Hogan also pleased Patterson, who will welcome back Keith Hill after suspension for tomorrow's home UniBond Division One game against Witton Albion.

The manager himself will serve the last game of his ban, while Lee Clitheroe is another doubt with a sore knee.

Patterson said: "Witton are a good footballing side who knock it about but we will be up for it.

"Last week's scoreline flattered Matlock, we should have won 4-0, so our confidence and self-belief is running high."