NELSON manager John Bailey is hoping for a big Christmas crowd at the Victoria ground tomorrow to cheer his side up the NWCL Second Division table.

They hope to end 2001 as they mean to start 2002 - on a winning streak.

"We need to get three or four wins together to get us back up the table," said manager Bailey.

"We have been quite successful over the past few seasons and now that we are not playing so well the confidence has dipped quite a bit and we need to start winning."

Kieron Roberts (knee), Andy Howarth (ankle) and Lee Coleridge (thigh) are all back in contention and are likely to go straight back into the side for tomorrow's game at home to Bootle.

"We ususally get decent crowds at home especially when Burnley are away from home so hopefully there will be a few on tomorrow. Bootle are a tough side to play against but I think we should win the game.

"Everyone is playing for second place now because Stand are so far ahead and I think all the teams in the top six or seven are capable of finishing second.

ALSO in the NWCL Second Division tomorrow Bacup are at home to Squires Gate, Darwen are at Formby (2pm), Colne are at Holker, Stand are at Leek and Padiham are at home to Daisy Hill (2pm).