NELSON boss John Bailey is more than happy with hot-shot Dave Gray - and is hoping his striker can get into double figures in their derby at Padiham tomorrow.

Former Rochdale frontman Gray, who was at Rossendale and trained pre season with Accrington Stanley, has so far banged home nine goals including four in last Tuesday's game with Oldham Town.

"He has done well," admits boss John Bailey. "He has had to carry the can as Carl Howarth hasn't been 100 per cent fit.

"He can trouble people with his pace and power and if he gets a chance he will take it."

It's been a good start for Nelson with three wins and one loss in the NWCL Division Two.

But is has been a fantastic opening to the season for table topping Padiham with six wins and one draw.

"Graham Howarth has been really patient with his side and it is paying off now," said the Nelson boss.

"He has kept the same players together for two or three seasons and they are starting to loook good. They have a good club spirit there."

Howarth, however, is remaining cautious.

"To be honest we have only played four sides this season so you can't make any predictions."

They have got one over Castleton and Darwen and played both Stand and Norton twice.

"It is still early days and it hasn't sorted itself out yet," said the Padiham chief.

"I thought Stand were a good footballing side when we played them - better than last season - and we always have a real battle with Darwen. There are a number of strong sides."

The Storks are struggling with injuries with two frontmen Lee Chambers and Dean Stowe still out.

However, 17-year-old Martyn Thompson came in and scored twice in the 2-0 win over Norton.

"Martyn has got plenty of ability but he is only a young lad. He has played in the reserve side for a couple of seasons.

"And centre half Craig Williamson came into the side and was exceptional. Mick Cowan has done a brilliant job with the reserves. It used to be an aging side but now I think the oldest player is 24. It is good when they can come through."

Anthony McCluskie and Darren Forrest are back for Padiham after missing last week but Howarth has yet to decide whether to break up his victorious side.

Meanwhile, Nelson will have to call on replacement keeper Simon Burrows as Billy Carrington injured his knee within minutes of the 7-0 victory over Oldham Town. He could be out for a while.