HIGH flying Clitheroe, who visit the Riverside tomorrow, could well feel a backlash from the Rams after last week's cup exit down in Nottinghamshire.

Being on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline to lowly Gedling Town saw Rammy drop out of this season's FA Vase competition, but if anything manager Vince Overson, in the midst of moving house and fighting a chest infection, feels that defeat will only spur his charges on to better things.

"They've been talking about this game all week in training, it means a lot to them," said Vince: "They all held their hands up after last Saturday's game and accepted they didn't work hard enough.

"They aim to redeem themselves tomorrow because they know that if they don't they will get beat. I've been really impressed with their attitude since I arrived and that has not changed, every team is allowed one bad game and we've had ours, but I won't accept any more like that.

"Like I said, the lads are up for this one. They are glad they are playing one of the top two sides, we are capable of beating any team if we produce the work rate, if you have superior skill and match the other team's effort then you stand a pretty good chance of winning."

Clitheroe are currently second in the NWCL first division table with 52 points from 23 games. Rammy lie in 16th spot with 27 points from 20 games.

In the corresponding league fixture back on September 9, Rammy travelled to Clitheroe's Shawbridge ground and emerged with a 3-2 win, thanks to strikes from Brickell, Heys and Dyson.

One particular facet of tomorrow's game Overson is looking forward to is the match-up between Rams' defender Mark Stewart, who joined Rammy from Clitheroe, and the Blues' striker Glynn Barker, who joined Clitheroe from Ramsbottom.

Known as 'psycho' to fans and team-mates at the Riverside, despite being a Rammy lad this is the first season Stewart will have played for his home town team.

Barker, meanwhile, despite leaving Rammy for Clitheroe in November, only made his debut for his new club last Saturday, due to being cup-tied and other games being postponed. However, he has already developed a good understanding with fellow striker Lee Cryer and will have to be watched closely tomorrow.

"I don't think there will be any love lost there," said Overson: "it's that kind of clash that adds spice to the game. The players know all about Clitheroe and they know they will have to get in their faces early on.

"I've made it quite clear what I want from them and I'm sure they will respond. Clitheroe are a hard working team and hard to break down. They are strong at the back and they have forwards who can carve out chances all day."

For tomorrow's game there is an injury doubt over Luke Hardman, while work commitments may force Danny Hayes to miss the game, otherwise Overson should have a full squad to choose from.

And Rammy could yet face Clitheroe in the League Challenge Cup, with both teams through to the last eight.

Rammy have been drawn at home against Great Harwood Town in the quarter finals, the game is to be played on Saturday, 24th January 2003. In the other ties Clitheroe entertain Bacup Borough, Woodley host Warrington and Mossley face Newcastle.

"It will be a tricky tie for us," said Overson: "Great Harwood are no mugs, they are young and keen and have a lot of pace up front, but they lack experience."