JOHN Coleman is hoping he can hang onto his record breaking team as the scouts descend on the Crown Ground following their nine consecutive wins.

Oldham and Coventry City are rumoured to have been casting a watchful eye over the Stanley side who are runaway leaders of the UniBond Premier League.

Oldham wanted to take defender Jonathan Smith on trial last season but the Reds turned them down saying if they wanted the centre back they would have to buy him.

However, Latics chief Iain Dowie has been spotted running the rule over the side and the scouts were there again during the 2-1 win over Droylsden.

Skipper Peter Cavanagh is also attracting attention, while centre back Steve Halford has been getting rave reviews.

"Everyone has a price, we are not a Manchester United or Real Madrid," admitted manager Coleman. "But we do not to lose anybody.

"The players are bound to attract attention when we are playing well. It goes with the territory.

"And I am not surprised as we have a lot of good players.

"If I was a manager of another club, I would want Paul Mullin, he is a top player.

"And they will be looking at the likes of Robbie Williams, Peter Cavanagh and the young lads.

"If they are playing well for us and get themselves noticed in the process then so be it. As long as they are doing it for us.

"But we won't let any speculation affect us or the players. We will just carry on."

Meanwhile, Coleman got his non-League manual out to check out Billingham Town - the side Stanley have been drawn at home to in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday, September 28.

The Northern League side have played six, won five and lost one of their games so far and are challenging for the title.

Coleman hasn't enjoyed a great deal of success in the prestigious competition in the past.

"We got knocked out to a Northern League side a couple of seasons ago when we lost to Bedlington Terriers," said Coleman of the 5-2 defeat in the North East.

Last season they lost 1-0 at Emley and Coleman admitted he was glad to finally get a Crown Ground tie.

"You are always pleased to get a home draw," said the boss. "It hasn't happened often.

"Now I will have to go on a little scouting trip.

"The money up for grabs at the early stages is a huge incentive for everyone.

"£7,500 for a win is a big amount for a Northern League side but it can make a difference for us as well.

"A good run can finance your season so it is important."

Meanwhile, Great Harwood will travel to big-spenders Harrogate Town of the UniBond Premier League if they get through their FA Cup first qualifying round replay at Crook Town tomorrow night.

Manager John Hughes said the potential tie provided even more of an incentive for his players to beat Crook.

"Obviously it is an incentive because it will give the young lads a chance to prove they can play against players from that level. It is a chance for the young lads to show that they won't freeze in that situation."

Elsewhere Ramsbottom will be hoping they can overcome Witton Albion in their FA Cup first qualifying round replay at the Riverside tonight.

They teams drew 1-1 on Saturday and whoever wins through will travel to Bridlington Town in the next round.

Clitheroe are also in action tonight in the NWCL Division One where they will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they welcome Mossley to Shawbridge.

And in Division Two, Colne make the trip to Maine Road while Stand travel to Leek CSOB.