GREAT Harwood skipper Neil Kennedy wants to win tomorrow's Worthington Challenge Trophy quarter-final for the management.

Boss Denis Underwood and his assistant John Hughes have struggled this season as Harwood languish at the wrong end of the NWCL Division One table after going 14 games without a league win.

And the Showground lads feel that recording a last eight cup victory over high flying Kidsgrove at home would be some reward for all the hard work the management have put in.

"We would like to do it for Denis and John," said centre half Kennedy who has spent around nine seasons at the Showground - with brief spells at Bamber Bridge and Clitheroe - 'mostly battling against relegation.'

"It has been a disappointing season as we started so well but Denis hasn't been helped by injuries and suspensions - me included!" admitted Kennedy. "I was suspended early on in the season for two yellows, then I was sent off for spitting - which never happened and we appealed against it and it was overturned.

"And I was sent off a few weeks ago for allegedly raising an arm although it was handbags really. I felt that was harsh and some of the refereeing has been dubious but I know they have a difficult job.

"But I don't suppose we help the management, especially the experienced players like myself. But it is hard not to get frustrated on the pitch. When you are down there, things seem to go against you. They never seem to go your way.

"Denis and John do a good job with the resources they have. It is difficult and it is up to us to go out there and make their job easier by winning.

"It is up to us on the pitch and we know how big this game is for the club, the Chairman and a win would reward the management for their hard work."

Kidsgrove have already recorded two league wins over Harwood - 2-1 and then 3-0 at the Showground last month.

"We are the underdogs but we are used to that," continued Kennedy. "Kidsgrove can go out and splash £15,000 on a striker. They are out of our league in that department but I think we did okay against them even though we lost.

"We conceded an early goal - which we seem to have a habit of doing lately - but we did okay and I think we can take that into this game.

"Our top scorer is Graham Lightbown and a young lad Kristian Trippier has been doing well in front of goal. Kris has made a few and I think he is disappointed he hasn't got a few more.

"I think we have the youngest squad since I have been here - and it is my job to help them through and keep them rallied on the pitch. The confidence might be low in the league but a win in the cup could kick start our season."