REJUVENATED Accrington face the acid test on Saturday (August 9) when they travel to league leaders Haslingden.

For the Thorneyholme Road side will be able to gauge just how far they have come in recent months against a side destined to win the Lancashire League title.

Having won their last three games, the perennial fall guys have risen to the heady heights of tenth spot. And vice-captain Steve Birtwistle believes the club can rise even further.

He said: "Saturday is going to be a real test for us but we have got that winning feeling now and are confident we can cause a bit of an upset.

"It's all about habits. For the past few season we haven't been able to get out of a losing habit and that is why we came bottom of the table for the three consecutive seasons. Now we are winning and it feels good. We're out to show the league exactly what we are capable of because we are no longer the Lancashire League whipping boys."

Birtwistle praised stand-in professional Peter Sleep who has helped pick up the pieces after Kiwi star Nathan Astle left to pursue a county league career.

"Peter Sleep is a natural born winner and that has rubbed off on a lot of the players. It has been said before but we couldn't have picked a better replacement for Nathan."

He added: "We have been in the doldrums for a few years now but this season has given us new hope and something to build on for the future."

Fixtures: Saturday, August 9 - Bacup v Nelson, Church v Rawtenstall, Colne v East Lancs, Burnley v Enfield, Haslingden v Accrington, Lowerhouse v Ramsbottom, Rishton v Todmorden.

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