BACUP boss Brent Peters is amazed that John Lister's achievements at taking Colne into the top seven in the NWCL Division Two haven't gained more recognition.

The two sides clash tomorrow in a local derby at Holt House and far from being the whipping boys of the league as they have in recent seasons, Colne are up there challenging for honours.

And Peters is astounded that Lister's achievement has not landed him a manager of the month award - instead top of the table Stand's boss Nick Davis has won it for three successive months.

"I think Stand's boss does deserve it once for taking his side to the top of the league but I think the league management committee should look at other things as well," said Peters.

"I'm not taking anything away from Stand but John has done a fantastic job there on a tight budget. He has got a good young team who he has moulded to play in a certain manner and they play excellent football."

"He deserves an award for this - and if I was on the committee he would get one."

Bacup will be without two influential players for the home game.

Karl Stanley broke his ankle playing amateur football on Sunday for Edenfield and is currently in hospital.

"It is a hammer blow. I don't really want my players to play amateur football but what can you do when they are non-contract and you can't pay out huge amounts of money? You can't stop them playing else you could lose them from your side.

"I'm not happy with it but I have to accept it.

Peters will also be without Julian Dowe who has had an operation on a long-standing knee problem.

"If we had a full strength side I think we would give Colne a game, and I would be more optimistic but we may have to introduce a few youngsters.

"My son Martin might get a start as might 16-year-old Adam Warwick, who is another youngster who is coming through."

Peters is still waiting to hear if he will face any action after speaking out against the league management committee over their Worthington Challenge Cup game.

Bacup couldn't play the twice postponed game against Maine Road ten days ago because of the pitch at West View and they were given less than 72 hours notice that the match would be switched to Manchester.

The West View side lost the third round game 3-0 last Thursday night but Peters were furious it went ahead at all.

"It is scandolous and I won't let this one lie. I only bleet when I think I have got a reason to and I will back Bacup if I think I am right. The league have run roughshod over us.

"We lost home revenue, what do we do about the sponsor we organised for the match? And the game couldn't be publicised because of the short notice.

"I struggled to play my strongest team because of the short notice and I think they have devalued their own competition. It is a joke."

BACUP face another local derby on Boxing Day when Darwen are the visitors to West View.