CHORLEY boss Dalton Steele is anticipating a hostile reception when the Magpies take on Winsford United tonight (kick off 7.30pm) at the Barton Stadium.

Steele walked out on United two months ago and promptly signed up seven of their players within 24 hours of his subsequent appointment at Victory Park.

Now he hopes to take three points off his old club as the Magpies continue their fight against the drop.

"This game isn't about Dalton Steele and the seven other players who walked out when I left.

"It's just another football match and we've got to go out and win it. I know it's not going to be nice but I'm quite prepared for that.

"I just want my players to relax and perform like they did against Lancaster on Monday."

Goalkeeper Simon Marsh is struggling with an ankle injury and may have to have an injection after centre half Matt Harmer deputised on Easter Monday.

But should he fail to make it Steele hopes to draft in Andy Banks from Morecambe as cover.

Meanwhile, jet-heeled winger Steve Jones has signed a contract with the Magpies after some impressive displays since joining from Irish outfit Bray Wanderers.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED pair Steve Strange and Mark O'Brien return to the squad for the visit of North West Trains League championship-chasing Newcastle Town. Both missed Monday's derby victory over Rossendale United through injury but they're fit to face Town as Ken Bridge's men aim to put a spanner in their title hopes.

"They might be six points behind Mossley but they've still got a lot to play for," said secretary John Maher.

"When you're in the running for things towards the end of the season I always think psychological pressure comes into play so hopefully we can take advantage."

But loan-man Gareth Feeney won't play a part because he has been re-called by Trafford.

ROSSENDALE boss Micky Graham is hoping to have central defender John Richardson and midfield man Vinnie Patterson back in his squad for tomorrow's visit of title-chasing Kidsgrove Athletic.

Second-placed Kidsgrove can't afford many slip-ups if they are to close a six-point gap on leaders Mossley. But Dale boss Graham insisted: "I am hopeful rather than confident but I am looking forward to it."

The game will be a big test for some of Graham's young players as they continue on the learning curve.

"It's all about discipline and working hard when you play the top sides. Our performances have been okay for about 60/70 minutes recently so we have got to talk about the way we have just lost our shape late on," he added.

DARWEN boss Steve Wilkes won't risk Neil Cordingley and Jimmy Khan in their trip to Maghull. Both men are carrying slight knocks and Wilkes wants to make sure they're fit to face Morecambe in the ATS Trophy final on Tuesday night.

The Anchormen have yet to play the Merseysiders this season but they're set to meet them twice in a week, with the return at the Anchor next Saturday.

"Maghull might be below us in the league but the way we are playing at the moment I wouldn't hold much by that," said Wilkes.

"But hopefully we can get three points and come out of it unscathed in preparation for Tuesday night."

Paul Baker serves the final match of his suspension.

COLNE should be suitably refreshed for their trip to Tetley Walker after manager Denzil Hart gave his squad the week off as reward for their hard work over Easter.

The Reds picked up five points in a hectic schedule of three games in five days and Hart is delighted with the way his players have applied themselves to the task.

"The fighting qualities and team spirit amongst the lads at the moment is very good and we're not making it easy for anyone to play against us," said Hart.

"I think Tetley will fancy their chances after beating us earlier this year but if they underestimate us it could prove their undoing." Chris Nuttall and Steve Gavin are both struggling with injuries and Kevin Scarborough may be unavailable.

BACUP BOROUGH are hoping to extend their unbeaten run to six games when they travel to Abbey Hey.

"It will be a tough game," said boss Brent Peters. "But we have not lost for five games and we want to carry that run on."

Adam Potts is still out suspened. robert Greatbank keeps his place.

CLITHEROE boss Steve Parry wants his side to stop the rot when they entertain Atherton LR.

"We have lost three on the trot which is not good enough.

"We all believe we are a better side than our league position suggests but the table doesn't lie at the end of the season."

Mark Stewart, Wayne Howarth, Daves Sharples, Barry Hart and John Parrott are all available again for Parry to add to his squad.

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