BACUP manager Brent Peters got a belated Christmas present when Chorley defender Billy McCartney agreed non-contract terms with the North West Counties Division One club.

However, the silver lining is marred by a cloud as McCartney is still keen to see what the future holds for him with the Magpies.

Peters, who recently signed Lee Wilkinson and Darren Emmett from Chorley, put the required seven days notice on the popular McCartney. And he has agreed to join Bacup should things not work out for him at Victory Park.

"Billy has signed but he is staying at Chorley for the next couple of weeks," Peters said.

"It just means that if he said he did want to play for Bacup that he could go into the side straight away instead of having to wait a week for his registration to clear.

"We are quite within our rights to do what we've done because we are in different leagues."

Peters added: "It's been an extremely hard decision for Billy because he seems popular with supporters at Chorley.

"But Lee and Darren have told him how much they are enjoying being at Bacup and how he would enjoy it too."

However, Chorley manager Mark Patterson said: "I spoke to Billy last week when I received the seven days notice from Bacup.

"He played last week and will play tomorrow. He is still very much a Chorley player and I've told him I don't want to let him go because he and Keith Hill have been very solid."

Bacup travel to Stone Dominoes in North West Counties One tomorrow, while Clitheroe are away to Abbey Hey and Ramsbottom United, like Clitheroe looking for their first action in three weeks, host Atherton LR.

The derby between Colne and Padiham is the pick of the Division Two fixtures tomorrow, which also include a visit to Chadderton for Great Harwood Town.

After an encouraging 2-2 derby draw with Colne on Boxing Day, Nelson travel to Oldham Town, while Darwen will be looking to avenge a 6-2 defeat earlier in the season when they host Winsford United.