WITH his snorkel and facemask in the boot of his car, Ramsbottom United boss Vince Overson is equipped to face Skelmersdale United whatever the state of the Riverside pitch.

"With all the rain we've had this week there has to be a question mark over tomorrow's game," he said.

Should it go ahead, Vince's boys will be taking on a United side that has won its last three games - two away.

In the corresponding fixture on 2 December, the Rams emerged 1-0 winners, thanks to a Chris Clark goal in what was Overson's first game in charge.

But if Rammy are to claim a double over Skem, they will need to address certain aspects of their game.

"We need to tighten up at the back, we need to get a bit more physical," said Overson.

"Some times we're too nice and we don't intimidate teams enough.

"I want us to play football, but in every team you have players who can close the opposition down.

"We need to get in amongst teams and knock them about a bit. We need to show we can play the ugly side of the game.

"Playing attractive football is not enough, you also have to be hard to beat."

His worst enemy at the moment is not the opposition but the weather, in particular the River Irwell that flows alongside the Rams' Riverside ground.

"When you're trying to work on a specific aspect of your play it is difficult when you play one week then wait two before you play again."

Rammy currently find themselves in 18th spot in the 22-team NWCFL First Division.

However, they have games in hand on every team in the division, apart from Congleton Town.

"I'm not worried about our league position," said Overson.

"If we win all of our games in hand we could finish as high as fifth. Granted, we have to win those games, but at least we have them to win."

And neither is he in any rush to bring in new players.

"We've been looking at a few lads but I don't really want to bring anyone else in at the moment because I really am happy with what I've got. But with so many games coming up in the next couple of months, injuries are a real worry, so we might have to bring in some new lads if we pick up a few knocks."

Forward Matty Swailes has turned down the offer to join valley neighbours, Unibond First Division outfit, Rossendale United.

The Stags had placed a seven-day notice of interest on Swailes, but the Rammy frontman decided he was happy where he was.

The first leg of Rammy's NWCFL Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Newcastle Town will be played at the Riverside on Saturday 27 March. The return leg will be played the following Saturday, 3 April. In the other tie, Bacup Borough will face Warrington Town.