RAMSBOTTOM manager Mike Kelly has denied that there is any rift between himself and top striker Russell Brierley.

Reports on local radio on Friday suggested that the pair had fallen out over bids by Rossendale and Salford City for the player. However, Kelly has dismissed it as nonsense.

He said: "Apparently they said on Radio Lancashire that me and Russ had had a difference of opinion but there has been no fallout and no difference of opinion.

"We don't want to sell him and he doesn't want to leave. He is more than happy.

"The results aren't going well but he understands it's a transitional period. There is definitely no rift."

Brierley has scored 18 goals for the NWCL Division One side this season - 15 in 15 league games - and is contracted to the club until the end of the season.

The Rams are in action at home to local rivals Great Harwood tonight and Harwood know Brierley is the player they need to keep quiet.

"We know what to expect from him. We know he scores goals, we have come up against him enough over the years," said manager Denis Underwood.

But Harwood are boosted at the back with the news that skipper Neil Reynolds' six week suspension has been overturned.

Harwood appealed against the punishment the defender was given after he was sent off for spitting - something the player and the Harwood management vehemently denied.

And on Thursday night they got the ban overturned, so Reynolds - who has just finished serving another suspension - can start against the Rams.

"It is good to have him back as he is an organiser at the back and I think we have been missing that," said the Harwood chief.

Ramsbottom finished in third place in the NWCL Division One last season while Harwood faced a battle against relegation. Both sides are struggling this season after indifferent starts.

"They have had a season like us where they have put together some poor results and some good results," said Underwood.

"But we had a good draw at their place last season and we felt we were unlucky to lose at home. We are not particularly worried about anybody in this league."

Third placed Clitheroe are in action at Shawbridge against Atherton Collieries while, in Division Two, Darwen are at home to high-fliers Squires Gate.