BACUP have the right man in their ranks if the opposition are firing on all cylinders, writes SUZANNE GELDARD.

For new goalkeeper Paul Hodge - a fire fighter by trade - impressed on his debut at Skelmersdale this week.

Former Ramsbottom and Rossendale stopper Hodge, who was standing in for the suspended Tommy Allen, impressed with pour water on Skelmersdale's attacks with a string of good saves.

And manager Brent Peters is delighted to have the 6ft 2ins goalkeeper, who also plays for the Great Britain Fire Brigade team, on board.

"He pulled off a top drawer save to keep us in the game in midweek at Skelmersdale," Peters said.

"We were trailing 1-0 at the time and if he hadn't have saved it, it would more or less have been game over."

Hodge will keep his place for tomorrow's trip to Daisy Hill in the League Challenge Cup as Allen serves a two-week ban.

Peters is confident his side can make progress in the competition but warned: "We can't take anything for granted on Saturday - Daisy Hill have nothing to lose and we've got everything to lose.

"But if we don't go through I'll be pulling out what hair I have!"