JOINT Ramsbottom bosses Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson turn the clock back to their first game in charge tomorrow when they face Newcastle Town in the Vodkat League Challenge Cup.

But the duo are hoping for better fortunes in the third round tie than on their dugout debut back in August.

On that day the Rams were thrashed 5-0 by the Staffordshire outfit but since that opening day defeat, plenty of water has passed under the bridge and now the sides clash again in the match of the round in the Vodkat League Cup as first place Newcastle meet second placed Rams at The Riverside tomorrow.

Johnson is confined to the dugout for the game as he recovers from his broken leg but he is eager to see the Rams kick on after an unscheduled winter break of one month thanks to the big freeze.

“We cannot wait to get back on the pitch,” he said. “This is a massive match and, probably, is our last hope of silverware this year with Newcastle so far ahead at the top.

“It’s been a long time since we played that opening game of the season and a lot has changed. “This game will definitely show how far we have come since then and the scars from the 5-0 defeat in August have gone, now that we are sat second in the game behind them.

“This is a huge game for us, probably one of the most important of the season,” added Johnson.

Carl Lomax (groin) and Andrew Sensale (ankle) are rated as doubtful for the clash.