United look to upset form boys

RAMSBOTTOM United go into Saturday's clash with bottom of the league Flixton determined to end their opponent's run of four consecutive victories.

Flixton are currently on a high and this culminated in a 2-1 victory over league leaders St Helens last weekend and United manager Mike Kelly puts the resurgence down to a change in personnel: " Flixton have improved tremendously under Dalton Steele," he said.

"Dalton has proven credentials at this level and has made something like 25 signings since he came in. Many of the signings he has made are Unibond standard and they won't get relegated.

"Flixton are on a high and playing with lots of confidence so it should be a difficult test for us."

Kelly will be missing Mike Langhorn for the game after he needed stitches in his leg following a clash in last weekend's fixture but Phil Porter returns after a suspension and new signings Gary Lewis and Karl Lomax go straight into the squad.

Midfield star Lewis and striker Lomax have been brought in from Colwyn Bay and Congleton respectively and are a sign that Kelly means business.

"I have said that certain players aren't performing and their place would be under threat if this continued. I have signed two new players and they won't be the last before the transfer deadline," he revealed.

"We can't win the league now but we will try and get as many points as possible before the end of the season and do this as we build for a serious challenge next year."

"This is my first full season as a manger at this club and I can't produce instant miracles but we're working hard to ensure the club is successful in the future."