CLITHEROE manager Lee Sculpher goes to Warrington Town on a high tomorrow after his side cemented their North West Counties Division One lead on Wednesday.
The most encouraging aspect of their victory at Mossley was the way his team shrugged off its current injury crisis to secure the three points.
Simon Garner and Jason Jones should be back in the side for the trip to Cantilever Park, but Neil Spencer is doubtful after picking up a knock on Wednesday, while Barrie Hart and Stuart Todhunter are still sidelined long term.
Sculpher, however, has been boosted by the signing of former Fleetwood winger Stuart Parkinson, who shone on his debut at Mossley.
"He can play on the right or left and is very, very quick," said the manager. "I hope he will supply more ammunition for the forwards, who have not been scoring as frequently as I would have liked."
Warrington lost to Newcastle Town in the league on Wednesday, but it's their FA Cup exploits that are causing a buzz in the town.
They have already disposed of North Ferriby United and Spennymoor United, sixth in the UniBond Premier, on their way to the third qualifying round next Saturday when they take on Whitby Town.
And Sculpher is hoping these distractions will work in his side's favour tomorrow.
He said: "It's got to the stage of the FA Cup where Warrington have big games so, at this moment in time, they might not be concentrating on the league and that will be to our advantage. I hope they have one eye on the FA Cup tie the week after.
"But it's never an easy place to go and it's not the best pitch in the league.
"The games tend to be very end to end and long ball rather than passing games, but we will be able to adapt to it.
Sometimes we can mix it when we need to and hit the long balls, which isn't entertaining for the crowd, but if conditions dictate it then we'll have to adapt to that situation on Saturday."
Clitheroe have put seven days notice in for Great Harwood's Chris Heslop and Sculpher also revealed he is planning to bolster his midfield with some new signings following the recent loss of Chris Whittingham and Neil Reynolds.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article