ACCRINGTON Stanley boss Wayne Harrison has defended his managerial record in the wake of the Reds relegation to the UniBond First Division.

Harrison took over from Billy Rodaway at the end of December when Stanley were already rock-bottom of the UniBond Premier Division.

And though Tuesday night's 2-2 draw at Winsford United consigned the Reds to a place in the bottom two, Harrison firmly believes they are now in better shape than when he took over.

"I think the squad we've got now compared to the one I inherited is far stronger.

"I don't think the lads could have battled anymore for me than they have done.

"They're giving it everything they've got and I think they've shown they want to play for me.

"If you look at the current form tables we are sixth in the league which definitely shows how much we've improved."

Stanley face in-form Stalybridge Celtic at the Crown Ground tomorrow.

And with the possibility of only one club being relegated if Hucknall Town finish in the top two in the First Division, it's vital the Reds pick up maximum points in their quest to catch second-bottom Chorley.

But Mike Langhorn, Paul Bottomley and Mark Howard will all be missing for the clash through injury.

CHORLEY midfielder Gary Thomas has been hit by a four match ban following his controversial sending off against Lancaster two weeks ago.

That means the ex-Winsford United man will now miss the Magpies last two matches although he will be available for tomorrow's crucial trip to Spennymoor United.

Dalton Steele's men must pick up at least a point at Brewery Field to avoid being relegated mathematically. And they need at least two wins and a draw from their remaining three matches to stand any chance of catching Lancaster.

"Spennymoor are a big, strong, hard working side and although they're now safe they'll still be trying, believe me," said Steele, who could welcome back Adam Critchley.

GREAT HARWOOD face fellow strugglers Whitley Bay in the first leg of a crucial relegation double-header at The Showground.

Denis Underwood's men could make huge strides towards safety if they beat third-bottom Bay tomorrow and then take three points off second-bottom Alfreton Town when they are the visitors next Saturday.

And with the possibility of only one club being relegated from the First Division, it's vital the Reds at least haul themselves off the bottom in the closing weeks.

"It's a massive game without doubt," said Underwood.

"The lads have done brilliantly to get us into this position because nobody would have thought it possible a month ago."

Paul Whalley is still out suspended and Jason Jones is unavailable.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED player-coach Alex Jones has quit the Riverside club.

Jones, who only joined United two months ago from Radcliffe Borough, stormed out after the 5-0 home defeat against Newcastle Town. "Alex just told manager Ken Bridge after the Newcastle game that he wasn't going to be available again," said secretary John Maher. "He hasn't offered us an explanation so we can only assume he was cheesed off at getting beat 5-0."

United are desperate for a change in fortunes against St Helens Town at the Riverside tomorrow where they've lost their last three matches without scoring a goal.

But they'll have to do it without Warren and Russell Brierley who are both away at a wedding although David Yorke-Robinson is back in the fold and Danny Goodhall and Dave Roache are nearly back to full fitness.

ROSSENDALE UNITED boss Micky Graham wants his young Stags to finish the season in style starting with a win against Nantwich Town at Dark Lane.

Five of United's last six games are at home and Graham believes his squad can finish with a flourish after last weekend's impressive 3-3 draw against championship-chasing Kidsgrove Athletic.

"I couldn't have been more proud of the lads than I was after last week because we thoroughly deserved a point," said Graham, who may add Paul Demaine to his squad.

"In all my time as manager of Rossendale there are a few results which will always stand out in my memory and that was one of them."

Graham is still determind to quit at the end of the season unless new backers can be found for the cash-strapped club so he is hoping to go out with a bang. But a solution to the financial problems may be found next week when United hold their AGM.

CLITHEROE go away to Prescot with doubts over Darren Norman and Wayne Howarth, who both picked up injuries in the midweek defeat against Workington.

Neil Ollerton may be available again but Gary Rishton is still suspended.

Boss Steve Parry was happier with his side's display despite the defeat and wants more of the same tomorrow.

BACUP BOROUGH'S recent change in fortunes is down to the arrival of Jason Rodgers, according to boss Brent Peters.

Since the striker joined Borough from the Manchester League, the West View club have embarked on a seven match unbeaten run.

And they could stretch that to eight at in-form Warrington Town tomorrow provided Rodgers can keep coming up with the goals. "Jason has been a revelation for us since he signed and I think he's scored in nearly every game and that's the kind of killer instinct we were missing earlier in the season."

Rodgers picked up a slight niggle in the 2-0 midweek win over Ashton but should be fit to keep his place while Paul Thomas, Anthony Doran and Jamie Wright should also be back.

NELSON complete their NWTL Second Division programme with a testing trip to Abbey Hey.

The Blues can't finish any higher than ninth but they'll want to sign off with a win to put some distance between them and the teams in the bottom half of the table.

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