COLNE manager John Lister is still pinching himself that this season isn't a dream.

After struggling against relegation last season, the Holt House side are one of the form sides and last week went above rivals Nelson - although they have played more games - for the first time since they reformed.

Colne are currently in seventh place in the NWCL Division Two and could make it a hat-trick of wins when they visit another of their local rivals Padiham tomorrow (KO 2pm).

And, while player/manager Lister is pleasantly surprised by this season, he is disappointed his side have not made a bigger impact.

"We are above Nelson at the moment but, to be quite honest, we are a bit disappointed in the points we have dropped in some of the games. We feel we could be in an even higher position," he said.

"It's only 12 months ago since this club was languishing at the foot of the table and the turnaround has been fantastic.

"I had an idea that many of the young players we have here would improve this season but I never thought they would take us this far so quickly.

"We still have a long way to go and no one is getting carried away, but the players deserve all the credit they are getting after so long being the basement boys of the league!

"We are certainly enjoying it at the moment and everyone at the club is pleased with the progress we are making."

Lister has made further progress by adding Gordon Dugdale to the young squad.

"Gordon is a former team mate of both Gareth West and James Webster when they were all at Burnley FC.

"Gordon is a little short of match fitness but these are the type of players we are now starting to attract to the club, and the future looks good at the moment."

Colne have also placed seven days on Padiham youngster Ian Whittaker who they will face tomorrow.

"I can understand why they have done that," said Storks manager Graham Howarth. "Ticker is a good little player but he has been on the bench for the last few games. We would obviously like to keep him.

"That is one of the problems at the moment - keeping everybody happy.

"I left captain Jamie Edmondson out last week because his girlfriend had a baby the week before and we won 4-0 at Bootle without him. We played so well that I couldn't drop anyone.

"It is hard as we do have strength in depth this season and I feel terrible sometimes leaving people out."

After a shaky start, Padiham are unbeaten in five League games with a front pairing of former Burnley player Anthony McCluskey and Ian Pilkington proving a dream team.

The return of McCluskey, suspended at the start of the season, has coincided with the team's recent run and the frontman - who has played in almost every position for the Storks - has scored four goals in the last three games.

"Ian and Anthony are both similar players and like I've said before they have both got a trick up their sleeve. It is promising," said the boss.

Another good player - and former Claret - is midfielder Robbie Smith who is also shining at the Arbories.

He is only 16 and was released from Turf Moor at the end of last season. So far he is proving a hit, scoring a superb winner in their 3-2 win at Stone Dominoes last weekend.

"I think he will go back into the League," continued Howarth. "Robbie is a quiet lad and perhaps we can develop that here but I think he will play League football."

Padiham have got planning permission from Burnley Borough Council to build floodlights at the Arbories.

"It is a huge boost," said Secretary Alan Smith. "Now I will be getting in touch with the Football Foundation about funding and we will take it from there. We hope to build them in the next 18 months."