IN-FORM CHORLEY face one of the UniBond League's other form sides tonight when they travel to Radcliffe Borough's Stainton Park for a top eight clash (kick off 7.30pm).

The Magpies were just pipped by Borough for the UniBond First Division club of the month award for December despite the fact both teams boasted identical records of three wins and two draws from their five games.

But Victory Park chief Ken Wright is plotting to end his old club's 12 game unbeaten run as Chorley look to force their way into the fringes of the promotion race.

"We didn't play particularly well at Radcliffe earlier in the season when we won 1-0 in one of the cups but we would certainly settle for a repeat of that result tonight," said Wright.

"We're on a bit of a run at the minute but they are in a rich vein of form too so it should be a cracking game."

The Magpies have problems in attack, though, with Paul Allen definitely ruled out because of a groin strain and his replacement Darren Calderbank is unavailable.

Defender Tony Gaffey is also struggling to shake off an ankle injury.

ACCRINGTON STANLEY player boss John Coleman could be fit for the trip to Trafford tomorrow.

The veteran striker has been hampered by a hamstring problem over the festive period but the injury now appears to be clearing up.

Skipper Jay Flannery is also back after suspension but Steve Hollis remains doubtful with a heel injury.

The Reds got back on track for promotion with a 3-2 victory at Congleton on Monday night. And they are sure to be fired up against Trafford after the Manchester club inflicted a surprise defeat on the Reds at the Crown Ground earlier in the season.

"They played very well for 30 minutes in that game and we are still smarting from that defeat," said Coleman.

"But they can be a useful side, especially at home.

"We'll be going there full of confidence, though, and we've got to go out and win every game we possibly can from now until the end of the season.

"With the team we've got now, we should be capable of doing that most of the time in this league

"But we've got to make it happen on the pitch."

BACUP BOROUGH face two massive games in the space of four days which could shape the rest of their season.

Tomorrow, the West View club travel to table-topping Curzon Ashton, desperate for a win to close the 11 point gap separating the two sides.

Then on Tuesday third placed Nelson are the visitors in the second round of the Second Division trophy.

But manager Brent Peters, who boasts virtually a full strength squad for the double header, believes his side are more than equipped for the challenge.

"Our victory at Darwen over Christmas proved we can mix it with the best and that was probably our best performance since I've been at Bacup.

"I just hope the lads can prove again how good they are against Curzon because games don't come much bigger than this at our level."

Peters tried to tempt former Rossendale United midfielder Andy Grimshaw to join Borough over Christmas but the veteran midfielder opted for UniBond League outfit Bamber Bridge instead. DARWEN duo David Barnes and Michael Douglas are back from suspension for the visit of Castleton Gabriels.

Player-boss Steve Wilkes admits their presence was missed during the Bank Holiday derby defeat against Bacup Borough.

But now they are back in the fold, he is looking for his side to bounce back quickly against sixth-placed Gabs.

"This is probably our biggest week of the season so far because we face three big games in the space of seven days," said Wilkes.

"So we've got to get back into the groove quickly if we don't want all our hard work to go to waste."

The Anchormen also face Great Harwood in the Marsden Trophy on Wednesday and league-leaders Curzon Ashton next Saturday.

But influential defender Neil Durkin could be missing for all three due to an ankle problem.

GREAT HARWOOD boss Denis Underwood is desperate to sign a striker after his side paid a heavy price for failing to take their chances in the Christmas double header against Clitheroe.

But the Reds chief may have to make do with what he's got, for the time being at least, as the coffers are currently empty at The Showground.

"I'm desperate for someone to score goals but I can't afford to go out and get anyone at the minute," said Underwood.

"I couldn't fault the players' effort and commitment against Clitheroe but they were far more clinical in the final third and that's where games are won and lost."

Skelmersdale United are the visitors to The Showground tomorrow and Underwood must wait on the fitness of Neil Baron and Graeme Lightbown.

But Gary Butcher and Andy Clarkson should be back to boost the squad. ROSSENDALE UNITED midfielder John Borland has given manager Micky Graham a pre-Christmas boost by hitting the comeback trail.

The former Burnley apprentice has been out for a month with hamstring and back problems but Graham is hoping he could be fit for a first team return in the next couple of weeks after starting training this week.

"It will be a major boost for us once John gets back into the squad," said Graham.

The Dale chief has been pleased by his side's form over the festive period.

And he is looking to keep that going when struggling Bootle visit Dark Lane tomorrow.

"I wanted us to start another run after a slight hiccup so I can't complain with a win and a draw over Christmas," said Graham.

"I just hope we can keep that going now and if we have aspirations of doing something this season then games against the likes of Bootle at home are ones we've got to win."

Matt Knowles is again absent through suspension.

NELSON go into their home game against lowly Ashton Town with plenty of confidence after a profitable Christmas campaign.

John Bailey's men picked up maximum points from their Bank Holiday double header against arch rivals Colne.

And if they can win their two games in hand on the top two, then the bubbling Blues will be right on the coat tails of current leaders Curzon Ashton. RAMSBOTTOM entertain Prescot Cables hoping for a return to winning ways.

"Since our long lay-off we have been looking a little rusty," admitted secretary John Maher.

"We haven't just been firing on all cylinders."

Ramsbottom will be without the suspended Danny Goodall and long-term injury victim Jamie Ramplin.

Keeper Gary Stones missed Monday's game with 'flu and assistant boss Mike Keely is once again standing by if he fails to recover in time.

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