STAND manager Nick Davis was relieved to actually get a game on Tuesday against Stone Dominoes - and even more relieved to come out with three points.

The 3-1 win was only Stand's third game of the year and in that time their lead at the top of the NWCL second division table had been cut from 13 points to just two.

"If we hadn't played on Tuesday Alsager would have overtaken us at the top because they won on Wednesday," said Davis.

"We'd have had six games in hand but it would have been a psychological blow because there was nothing the players could have done about it.

"It would have put us under unnecessary pressure. We have had 18 games called off at home and two called off away so it obvious where the problem lies."

Stand, who moved to Haslingden's former Ewood Bridge ground at the beginning of this season, hope to make improvements in the summer, including fitting drains under the pitch.

Davis is confident his side can now go on to win the league and win promotion to the NWCL first division.

"We were fantastic on Tuesday," he said. "Considering we hadn't played for ages, they were a fit side and a young side. You could tell they had played Saturday-Tuesday for a few weeks.

"It was a great game. Someone came in the bar afterwards and said it was the best £3 they had ever spent.

"We are after getting a few games together now because they looked sharper. We need to get the match fitness back. A couple of the lads were walking round like they'd broken their legs on Wednesday morning!"