ATHERTON Collieries manager Mike Clegg wants his side to disprove the pre-season predictions as they head to AFC Liverpool tomorrow looking to continue their unlikely promotion push.

Colls have risen to second in the North West Counties Premier Division, six points behind Runcorn Linnets with two games in hand, having scored a division-high 78 goals from 25 games.

The side have slipped under the radar, but while Clegg knows they are outsiders, there is still a steely determination to complete a brilliant season.

“There’s a lot of people still not speaking about us in terms of promotion,” he said.

“The lads wanted to prove everyone wrong – we have no right to be at the top of this league.

“I am realistic – we’ve set ourselves a points target that we think can win us the league, and if someone beats that, you’ve just got to give them a pat on the back and say 'well done'.”

At just 32, Clegg is one of the youngest managers in the division, and he revealed that part of his success is down to an impressive contacts book – which includes AFC Liverpool’s boss Kevin Dally.

Colls beat their opponents 5-1 just three weeks ago, but Clegg knows that counts for little ahead of tomorrow’s game.

“They’re chopping and changing all the time so it’s difficult to know how they are going to line up,” he said.

“Kevin’s trying to get a bunch of lads ready for next season, they’re mid-table so this is sort of a trial period for them, an extended pre-season.

“I’m obviously still learning – I’ve got a few friends I talk to, people like Kevin Nolan, Alan Lord and Jim Gannon, so I’m always trying to pick up tips from them.

“I am becoming my own man in management, but I’m never scared to ask for help.”

In Division One, Atherton LR will again seek to get their first win since the end of October as they host 15th-placed Widnes.

Daisy Hill will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing 4-2 defeat to Rochdale Town as they travel to fellow strugglers Eccleshall.