PAUL Heavey thinks boss Jim McCluskie has saved his football career -- and wants to repay him by helping Rossendale win the NWCL Division One title.

McCluskie has set his side a target of 92 points and 100 goals -- meaning they have to win their four remaining games starting with Glossop at home tomorrow.

And striker Heavey, who joined the club in January, is keen to play his part in achieving this.

"When Jim signed me I was in and out of the side at Prescot. Things weren't going well," said the former Warrington, Runcorn, Accrington Stanley and Bamber Bridge player -- "to name a few!"

"My season at Christmas was going nowhere and now I'm challenging for promotion.

"It has been turned on it's head and that's why promotion will now mean everything."

The 26-year-old came to Dark Lane via his friend Ged Walsh, a former Stanley team-mate who now plays for Rossendale.

"I spoke to Ged and when I met Jim and the Chairman, their sheer enthusiasm persuaded me to join," said Heavey who was a YTS at Preston North End and spent a year as a professional at Deepdale.

"I wasn't sure where I was going to as I hadn't played against Rossendale for Prescot but it's turned out to be a great decision.

"Jim's only been in charge around seven months but he has stamped his authority on the management scene and is full of encouragement. He keeps telling us we can do it and we believe him."

Dale had hit a tough spot losing three of their last four games but they are hoping their blip is over after they won the last match against Maine Road midweek.

"Disappointing won't be the word if we don't make it," said Heavey, who has slotted home eight goals since his arrival at Dark Lane.

"I've been through it before with Warrington when I was starting out in Non-League football about seven years ago.

"We were in the UniBond First Division, we had a lot of games in hand and we missed out on the final day of the season.

"I was so depressed. It was my first season in Non-League and I thought every season would be like that, challenging for promotion, but I've learnt differently.

"I've never won any League titles since!"

St Helens currently top the NWCL Division One table with Clitheroe a close second and Dale hot on their heels.

Rossendale make the trip to Kidsgrove next Tuesday, the Saturday after it's Flixton and the final game will be at Mossley on Wednesday May 9, in an extended season.

Meanwhile title rivals Clitheroe -- who are appealing after Shawbridge was rejected by the UniBond League -- make the trip to Prescot Cables, in the first of two meetings betwenn the clubs in the run-in.

Then it's Glossop away on May 1, St Helens Town (h) May 5, Prescot Calbes (h) on May 7 and Kidsgrove (a) on May 11.

Second-placed Clitheroe travel to Prescot Cables in NWCL Division One.

Manager Dave Burgess says his side are now even more determined to win the title after their ground was rejected by the UniBond League, who have ruled that Shawbridge is not up to scratch.

"The lads are even more determined to win it now, if they could have been more determined than they already were," he said.

"But we still have five games to play, though, and anything can happen."

The Blues have appealed against the Ground Gradings Committee's decision.