BACUP boss Brent Peters has the words of Padiham manager Graham Howarth ringing in his ears.

At the beginning of the season, Howarth told Peters he was worried his Storks side might struggle in Division Two after their promotion from the West Lancs League.

But they are comfortably mid-table and have taken some scalps this season, beating promotion hopefuls Stone Dominoes and taking First Division Rossendale to extra time in the Worthington Challenge Trophy.

They lie six places ahead of Peters' Bacup and travel to West View tonight to try to increase that lead.

Peters said: "We were playing in a benefit match in pre-season and Graham told me he'd be happy as long as Padiham didn't get relegated.

"But I have those words ringing in my ears now because there is no way they are going to get relegated. They'll finish in the top half of the table and that is a remarkable achievement.

"It is the first time Graham Howarth has managed a team at this level and he has done brilliantly. I can't heap enough praise on him."

Howarth said: "It is very nice of Brent to say that but we have a few injury problems tonight. We have Carl Parker and Jason Stubbs, two very influential players, out with broken legs and Anthony McCluskey is a doubt.

"We don't think Darren Forrest will play either because of work commitments.

"We will be down to our bare bones because we have a reserve game in Atherton the same time."

Keeper Adam Potts returns for Bacup after spending most of the season on the sidelines with a pelvic injury but Scott Gilchrist, Damien Gledhill and Stuart Farnell are doubtful. New signings John Carrick, a former Buxton striker, and Sam Daho -- a 'Mark Hughes type-player who holds the ball up well' -- could start.

Also in action tonight, in NWCL Division One, Ramsbottom are at home to Curzon Ashton and Rossendale face Maine Road at Dark Lane.

In NWCL Division Two, Colne travel to Blakcpool Mechanics, Darwen are at home to Warrington and Nelson play Holker Old Boys at home.

Great Harwood are on the verge of signing Bacup keeper Darryl Sloane.

Denis Underwood's side were thrown into turmoil when current keeper Lee Kennedy found he had a broken toe.

Underwood rushed to put seven days on Sloane and Brent Peters was happy to release the 27-year-old after the comeback of Adam Potts.

Peters said: "Darry could be a very, very good keeper if he focused more on his game."