MICKY BARTHOLOMEW is mulling over a move to Bacup.

The Stand Athletic striker, who lives in Milnrow, near Rochdale, spoke with Bacup boss Brent Peters yesterday about a possible move to the NWCL Second Division side.

Peters said: "He has told Stand he would speak with them about any offers he got so he is going to go back there and talk to the manager.

"But I am confident. Apparently another club are in for him but I think he will come to us.

"He says he will let me know over the weekend."

Bartholomew is currently second choice striker at Stand behind Lee Wilkinson and Chris Denham and is thought to be interested in a move that would guarantee him more first team football.

Bacup meet Maine Road in the Worthington Trophy tomorrow hoping to make it a hat-trick of victories over First Division opposition.

They have already beaten Nantwich in the Worthington competition this season and Fleetwood in the Marsden Trophy.

"Maine Road are doing quite badly in the league but I don't think league form is going to count for anything.

"Clubs who are not doing well in the league might think they'll give their all to the cup competitions because they know they are not going to do anything in the league."

Bacup are without Julian Dowe and Shaun Cryer, who are both cup-tied.

"It is a shame because we have had a settled side but we beat Nantwich without those two so we can do the same tomorrow."