IAN McGarry is looking to experience to help steer Great Harwood Town away from the relegation zone in the Unibond League First Division, writes PETER WHITE.

And the Showground boss could hardly have picked on a more battle-hardened pair of campaigners than his two latest signings David Sharples and Martin Horsfield.

Both are well aware of the rigours and demands of the local non-League circuit, having been around the scene for years. Sharples, who returns to the Showground from Clith- eroe, should add some craft to Harwood's midfield and former Darwen striker Horsfield has enough about him to give opposing central defenders something to think about.

Their signings, along with the recent acquisition of 18-year-old Michael Douglas - grandson of ex-England and Ewood great Bryan - from Feniscowles are a continuation of McGarry's rebuilding of the squad.

Harwood didn't only lose a manager when Martin Eatough left towards the end of last season.

They lost his services as a player and a number of other important members of the squad departed too.

"We knew things weren't going to change overnight," said McGarry. "We lost a lot of players, more than half a side, and it takes time to replace them.

"It's a case of continuing to build and strengthen the squad.

"A lot of players have already come in but we needed them."

Sharples and Horsfield won't be able to play tomorrow when Harwood take a break from their league exertions to tackle high-flying Witton Albion in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

They aren't eligible, but McGarry believes his team can give the promotion hopefuls a run for their money.

"We certainly won't be looking to make life comfortable for them and I don't think they will relish coming to Harwood," he said.

"It's a big game for us, they are right up there at the top of the table but we won't make it easy, I can promise you that."

Tomorrow's cup tie isn't the only knockout clash on McGarry's mind.

The Lancashire ATS Trophy draw sees Harwood visit Hyndburn neighbours Accrington Stanley. And, although the game will not be played until the week beginning January 5, it's already the talk of the Showground.

Apart from the obvious local rivalry, there's an extra edge to the draw because of Stanley chairman Eric Whalley's former involvement with Harwood - and the presence of his sons Paul and Russell in the Showground squad.

"We'll be up for that one, make no mistake about it," said McGarry.

"It's a tie to relish and we have absolutely nothing to lose.

"They will be favourites but there's one thing they can be sure of, we'll be ready for it."

Paul Whalley misses tomorrow's game against Witton through suspension, though Mick Crabbe could be back after recovering from a thigh injury.

Neil Kennedy (ankle) has a 50-50 chance of being fit.

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