GREAT Harwood boss Denis Underwood is hoping for some festive joy as his side seek a much-needed NWCL Division One win over Christmas.

After a reasonable start, it's been a miserable time for Harwood which has seen them go 13 league games without a win - their last league win dating back to the end of September.

They currently lie third from bottom of the table and face two tough trips over the Christmas period - to high-flying Skelmersdale and local rivals Clitheroe.

Underwood is desperate to get some points on the board especially as he was bitterly disappointed when his side crashed against Kidsgrove - 3-0 - and Prescot - 4-0 - in their last two encounters.

"It was so disappointing to lose to Prescot on Monday as they are a reasonable side but they are not as good as Kidsgrove. We did nothing we talked about before the games, to get in behind them, and they did it to us and scored within 30 seconds.

"I don't want to name names but a lot of our goals are down to individual mistakes. Teams then punish us and we don't punish them when we they make mistakes."

The addition of teenage striker Simon Garner has helped Underwood but the loss of the likes of Neil Baron to a four week suspension has played havoc with his selection plans.

"We need the youngsters thrown in with the experienced ones in games where there isn't so much pressure but I am having to use them in these matches against the top of the table sides and can't offer them much protection.

"We have just had to chuck them in. But they are learning and hopefully a win will come." GREAT Harwood boss Denis Underwood is hoping for some festive joy as his side seek a much-needed NWCL Division One win over Christmas.

After a reasonable start, it's been a miserable time for Harwood which has seen them go 13 league games without a win - their last league win dating back to the end of September.

They currently lie third from bottom of the table and face two tough trips over the Christmas period - to high-flying Skelmersdale and local rivals Clitheroe.

Underwood is desperate to get some points on the board especially as he was bitterly disappointed when his side crashed against Kidsgrove - 3-0 - and Prescot - 4-0 - in their last two encounters.

"It was so disappointing to lose to Prescot on Monday as they are a reasonable side but they are not as good as Kidsgrove. We did nothing we talked about before the game - to get in behind them - and they did it to us and scored within 30 seconds.

"A lot of our goals are down to individual mistakes. I don't want to name names but that is the case. Teams then punish us and we don't punish them when they make mistakes."

The addition of teenage striker Simon Garner has helped Underwood but the loss of the likes of Neil Baron to a four week suspension has played havoc with his selection plans.

"We need the youngsters thrown in with the experienced ones in games where there isn't so much pressure.

"But I am having to use them in these matches against the top of the table sides and can't offer them much protection.

"We have just had to chuck them in. But they are learning and hopefully a win will come."