ATHERTON LR travel to Curzon Ashton tonight full of confidence after Saturday's 2-1 win over Unibond Division One leaders Lancaster City.

The Curzon contest could hardly have a more balanced look about it. The two drew 2-2 at Crilly Park two weeks ago and both had impressive victories at the weekend, Curzon beating Great Harwood 4-1 to go joint sixth.

Rovers will be without injured utility man Paul Burrows, adding to the absence of keeper Andy Hills and Damien Kelly.

The loan of 19-year-old goalkeeper Stuart Barton from Bamber Bridge has been extended by another month. Colls delight ATHERTON Colls are raving about their latest signing, Hyde Utd striker Phil Chadwick.

"I can still hardly believe we've got him!" commented Colls manager Steve Walton on one of the top frontrunners in the Northern Premier League over recent seasons.

Chadwick ran into trouble at the Premier Division club 12 months ago after a difference of opinion with a club official. Hyde sacked him but retained his registration which meant that he could not move elsewhere without a fee being involved.

He appealed to the FA and the authorities ruled that he should be released from the registration. He became a free agent and decided on Alder House ahead of a host of clubs who were interested.

Walton said: "He played his first game for us on Saturday in the 4-3 win at Bacup and looked real quality."

Joint manager Ian Lamb added: "It proves that we really mean business this season!"

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