GREAT Harwood will try to turn around a run of four games without a win when they take on Ashton at home in NWCL Division Two.

John Hughes's side went out of the Second Division Trophy on penalties at Oldham last week after conceding a last-minute goal.

"We let a two-goal lead slip away and it was disappointing how we gave it up so easily when we had the game won.

"But there were some positives. I gave Russell Kay his debut and he was outstanding at centre back.

"He is a good prospect, and has a good attitude."

Hughes has likened Harwood's current slump to that he encountered when he was first at Rossendale United with Micky Graham.

"When we first got there we were bottom of the league for ages," he said. "But we brought young players in, like Jason Heffernan, Craig Sargeson and Danny Heys, and they needed time to gel.

"We have a young side and it is a learning experience."

Neil Kennedy has moved to Fleetwood Town.