RELEGATION threatened Barnoldswick Town host Abbey Hey tomorrow in the North West Counties League Premier Division desperately seeking three points.

Stewart Airdrie’s side are just one point and one place clear of the bottom three having won just one of their previous seven games.

Barlick have lost their last four but a home clash with Abbey Hey, a side also struggling in the lower reaches of the table, represents an excellent chance for them to start the new year on a high.

Elsewhere, basement boys Bacup & Rossendale Borough will be hoping the new year can provide a new start having won just once so far this campaign.

Brent Peters’ side are 10 points from safety having picked up one point from a possible 39 in their last 13 league games.

A trip to Bootle awaits them tomorrow with the Merseysiders up in 10th and heading into the game on the back of four straight wins in all competitions.

Mark Fell’s Nelson, who were beaten by neighbours Colne last time out, host a Squires Gate side who begin the weekend two points and two places behind the fifth-placed Admirals.

Colne are without a game.

In Division One, AFC Darwen, who have slipped to 15th having played just two league games in the last six weeks, are on the road at third-placed Daisy Hill.

In the Evo-Stik League Premier Division, Ramsbottom United will be keen to make up the ground they have lost in recent weeks, and try to close the current nine-point gap on fourth placed Curzon Ashton.

The Ashton-under-Lyne side have an impressive home record, with eight of their 13 league games at the Tameside Stadium resulting in wins.

The Rams need to chalk up more points on the road to fulfil ambitions of climbing the table.

Bottom club Padiham are determined to stop the rot and have the chance to put pressure on the teams above them with a trip to 19th placed Ossett Town tomorrow.

The Storks won only once on the road in the league in the first half of the season.

The Conference North fixtures take place on Sunday, with Garry Flitcroft’s high flying Chorley entertaining Oxford City at Victory Park (kick-off 3pm).