BACUP Borough launch their FA Carlsberg Vase campaign at Northern Counties East League outfit Denaby United buoyed by a midweek 4-0 win.

However, striker Karl Stanley is among the new arrivals not signed in time for the qualifying round tie. And experienced striker Paul Moulden is also unavailable.

"If we were going with the team that had won 4-0, my confidence would be sky high. We will still give it a go but we won't have our strongest hand," said manager Brent Peters. "I just hope for those that come back into contention, it kick-starts their season, having a chance to get back in so quickly after a 4-0 win."

BRIAN Welch is LOOKING to bounce back from their midweek FA Cup exit, ROSSENDALE UNITED travel to Leek CSOB with hopes of having almost a full-strength squad available.

Dark Lane boss Micky Graham will be able to recall players like Jim McCluskie, who missed the cup defeat at Ossett, and is optimistic that his team can climb the FNWTFL First Division table in the coming weeks.

"We were unbeaten in the league until we lost to Clitheroe and that was really down to ourselves," he said.

"I don't expect us to win every game but if we show similar commitment to that against Ossett, we will certainly win more than we lose.

"And we have all season to keep on improving."

A supporters' coach will leave Dark Lane for tomorrow's game at noon. DANNY Goodall is set to return at left back for RAMSBOTTOM UNITED against Glossop North End at the Riverside Ground tomorrow.

Goodall, formerly on the books of Blackburn Rovers, has recovered from a groin injury.

And that's a major boost for manager Ken Bridge as he attempts to steer the Rams to a position of respectability in the FNWTFL First Division.

"We are hoping for better things from now on after a difficult start when our form has been indifferent at times," said secretary John Maher.

Ramsbottom had to start the season with a sequence of away games because of ground problems but are now aiming to start climbing. Steve Orrell misses his last Saturday game because of cricket commitments but recent loan signings from Trafford, Chris Patterson and Jamie Ramplin, are in the squad and hoping for better things.

In the midweek draw with Clitheroe, Ramplin was sent off and Patterson conceded the free kick which led to the opposition's equaliser!

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