SCOUTS from football league clubs continue to check the form of Accrington Stanley's ace marksman Brett Ormerod, whose goal against Marine on Saturday earned his side the points.

Fans believe Stanley are ready to turn the corner after the superb 1-0 victory against the Merseyside-based Unibond Premier League high-flyers. The game marked Ormerod's 22nd goal of the season, and the win took Stanley up to 11th position.

Victory at rock-bottom Buxton this weekend would enhance their league standing further.

Scouts from Preston, Lincoln and Luton wereall watching the 19-year-old hotshot against Marine.

Manager Tony Greenwood said: "There has been a lot of interest in Brett and while I would not want to see him go I wouldn't stand in his way. While he is young and still has a lot to learn he has already shown he has exceptional talent."

On Tuesday (February 11), Stanley entertain Radcliffe Borough in the quarter final of the Unibond League Challenge Cup.

Four new signings have coincided with rejuvenated Darwen's current run of good form in North West Counties Division One.

Darren Davis and Brett Greenwood from Leyland, and Darwen old boys Russell Whalley and John Taylor have helped the Anchor Ground side put together a run of four games undefeated - the latest, Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Vauxhall.

Manager Ian McGarry said: "We seem to have put our disastrous run behind us and the new boys have helped us pick up the points which are vital if we are to get away from the bottom of the table."

On Saturday (February 8) Darwen are without suspended Dean McGarry and Lyndon Howarth for the visit of Salford.

Monday's memorable 3-2 cup victory over mighty Morecambe ranks as Martin Eatough's best ever performance in his short fairy tale spell at Great Harwood Town.

Since guiding the Showground side from the jaws of relegation last season, Eatough has built up a team of winners who have caused Cup upsets wherever they have gone - claiming the scalps of Marine, Chorley and Tamworth along the way.

Now they could be on course for a mouthwatering LFA ATS semi-final showdown with Accrington Stanley.

Eatough said: "That must be the best win I have had since I have been here but there have been a few good ones along the way."

Town are back in league action on Saturday (February 8) when they entertain Congleton, but its back to cup duty on Tuesday (February 11) for the visit of Netherfield in the Unibond Divisional Cup.

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