MARTIN Eatough has Paul Whalley and Shaun Bursnall available again after suspension, as GREAT HARWOOD TOWN take on Flixton at The Showground tomorrow.

"It's a big game as far as we are concerned, because a win would put us within reach of several teams just above us," said the Town boss.

It looks as though Eatough will still be without Neil Otley, who is struggling with a knee injury, and Mick Crabbe (ankle) is also doubtful.

Town will be aiming to maintain their outstanding defensive record which has brought seven clean sheets in eight home games so far this season.

BACUP BOROUGH's new manager Malcolm Holt, who has had just one match in which to evaluate his West View players, has quickly realised he needs to strengthen his small squad with three or four extra men.

But he looks likely to lose his highly-rated centre-half David Betts. NWCL table-toppers and neighbours Ramsbottom United are showing a keen interest and have slapped in a seven-day notice. "Realistically, I think the rest of the season is going to be one of rebuilding here," he said.

"I would really like to hear from players who think they can make a contribution at this level. They can give me a ring on (01204) 883085."

Tomorrow, Bacup play host to Skelmersdale United, and remarkably the Merseysiders have actually conceded more goals than next-to-bottom Bacup, despite 13 points and eight places difference in their league placings.

ROSSENDALE UNITED player/manager Micky Graham will again be without regular keeper Chris Mullin for tomorrow's visit to Vauxhall GM in the NWCL Division One.

Mullin has had to have an operation and could now be missing for up to a month after suffering a leg injury, frustratingly right at the end of United's recent clash with Mossley.

The club's other keepers Chris White and Paul Horridge - also available after injury - are both included in a squad, which is also strengthened by the return of defender Martin Pearce and forward Ian Curwen. Graham is also hoping to make a further signing, too.

Steve Doyle's unbeaten league run as caretaker-manager of CHORLEY faces the acid test tomorrow, when the Magpies visit title-chasing Hyde United.

Karl Marginson knocked in his eighth league goal of the season, as Chorley beat Marine 2-1 in midweek to extend the undefeated sequence to five matches.

And that should ensure confidence is high, as the Magpies take on in-form Hyde who strengthened their position with a convincing midweek win at Frickley.

NELSON player/manager Ian Britton has seen his side steadily climb the NWCL Division Two table - the Victoria Park side have moved up from eighth to 13th place over the past few weeks.

"I am pleased with the way things are going. We've got two strong squads here, and everyone has to compete for their shirts," said Britton.

"The lads played well enough and can hold their heads high after this week's 3-2 away defeat in the ATS Trophy to Holker OB. Two bad decisions cost us dearly." Britton will be doubly disappointed as a hamstring problem rules him out of tomorrow's home match against Ashton Town, but Tony Fitton, who missed Tuesday's game, is back in contention.

Midfielder Neville Roscoe - out for 10 weeks with a shoulder injury - will again attempt to launch a comeback in Nelson Reserves' match at Chadderton.

CLITHEROE face St Helens at Shawbridge tomorrow as the Blues return to NWCL promotion action following their shock FA Vase exit at Vauxhall GM.

Joint-manager Denis Underwood said: "It was so disappointing after what we achieved when we reached Wembley last season. It was probably our worst performance of the season.

"But that is history now and we need to concentrate on getting promotion. We have the players to do that here."

He added: "We have a home game tomorrow and one on Wednesday (Salford) so a couple of wins will put us in a strong position."

ACCRINGTON STANLEY face their second cup match in four days when they face a tricky trip to Bedworth Town in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.

Stanley were involved in a thrilling 5-4 President's Cup first round defeat at Barrow in midweek.

Manager Tony Greenwood will give late fitness tests to Peter Mellor (knee) and Chris Molloy (ankle) before the trip to the Midlands.

Greenwood said: "Bedworth will be a tough test. They play in the Beazer Homes Midlands Division and that is a fair standard. "I believe they have a couple of ex-Coventry players in their side so they they will have fair experience. We will certainly not underestimate them."

HASLINGDEN return to league action at Ewood Bridge tomorrow against Stantondale with new signing Ian Pilkington coming into the squad.

Player manager Steve Parry (groin), leading scorer Rory McDowell (groin) and Damian Moran (knee) are all struggling for fitness following the midweek FA Vase defeat at home to Trafford.

"We put on a good performance against Trafford and we want the lads to carry that through into the league," said Parry.

"Ian's signing will be good for us and with our injuries it has come at a good time for us."

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED have had a seven-day notice slapped on ace marksman Russell Brierley by Castleton Gabriels - but he's staying put.

They in turn have slapped a seven-day notice on former player David Betts who has just moved with new manager Malcolm Holt to Bacup Borough.

Everyone is available for the trip to Formby tomorrow and Ken Bridge's men will be hoping to avoid a potential backlash after Formby's mauling by Tetley Walker in the FA Vase first round.

DARWEN are as you were for tomorrow's trip to Holker OB in NWCL First Division action.

Manager Ian McGarry has reiterated his determination to appeal against the sendings off midweek of Ian Whittaker and Lyndon Haworth.

"It was a bad joke and we have to do something about it," he said.

COLNE travel to Cheadle Town tomorrow without Sean Giblin and the injured Martin Tector (groin).

Manager Denzil Hart has signed Oqkeneochuko Odudu who played with Luton Town last year.

"We can't pronounce his name so we just call him Chuko", said Hart.

"He's a good player though and we think he can help us in our drive to move up from the bottom of the table.

"We look forward to tomorrow."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.