Happy Radcliffe have to play catch-up RADCLIFFE Boro look to extend their current winning run to eight games in tomorrow's Unibond League Division One visit to Eastood Town.

Another three points on top of those gathered in Tuesday's 1-0 away win at Congelton Town would leapfrog Boro into the top half of the divisional listing.

The current placing gives a false impression as the club's impressive charge through to the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup has seen league fixtures take a back seat.

That is highlighted by comparison with tomorrow's opponents. Boro and Eastwood started the week next to eachother in the table with Radcliffe in 17th place on 13 points and the Nottingham outfit one point and one place adrift. The big difference is that Boro with nine completed fixtures have played four fewer games than Town.

Kevin Glendon's side has games in hand on virtually all rivals and it's now a case of playing catch- up which given the team's current form is proving a highly enjoyable pastime.

Glendon says: "Whilst doing well in the cup is great, I've brought these players to this club to progress in the league. We're at Burscough next Saturday in the FA Cup and Leek the week after in the Trophy so football being football within the course of two weeks we could be out of two cups. That would leave just the league to look at and it's essential that we are in a good position to turn our full attention to it.

"It's a big game tomorrow but everyone is fit with Scott Wilson now back from holiday so we couldn't be better placed for it."

Ramsbottom Utd get the chance to pit their wits against one of the top sides in the Northern League with Easington Colliery the visitors to the Riverside Ground in the FA Vase First Round Proper.

"They have a pretty impressive record this season," says Rams secretary John Maher. "Last week they beat Whitby Town 1-0 to get into the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round and they've drawn a plum tie at home against Chester City. They're also doing well in the league and they haven't conceded a single goal in their last four games."

United will be without long term absentees Warren Brierley, Mike Langhorn and Dave Roach, now with the addition of wide man Gareth Gardner, who has been tempted by an "offer he can't refuse" from Rossendale United.

Atherton LR face a long, long trip to the North East in the Vase to face Marske United.

In the North West Counties League Division One Atherton Colls need to bounce back from two consecutive defeats with Woodley Sports the visitors to Alder House and in Division Two Daisy Hill entertain Formby.

After two weekends of postponements three local sides will try again to get their LFA Amateur Challenge Shield Round One ties played. Eagley are at home to Colne United, Atherton Town to Highfield, while Tempest United travel to Wigan Amateur League outfit Standish St Wilfs. It's Round Three day for the other big Lancashire FA knockout competition, the Whitbread Amateur Cup with Bolton County at home to Leigh Ath, Rivington entertaining St Dominics, Thornleigh meeting Sladians in a derby clash, Radcliffe Amateurs home to Remyca United, Bury GSOB at Crawford and Walshaw Sports at Highfield United.