GREAT Harwood look to continue their great escape from the bottom of the Unibond League First Division when they entertain mid-table Radcliffe Borough tomorrow (kick-off 1pm).

Harwood looked dead and buried before Denis Underwood took charge.

But three wins and a draw in their last four games have revitalised the club and another win tomorrow would take Harwood level on points with Whitley Bay at the foot of the table if the Tynesiders lose tonight.

And with Bay and fellow strugglers, Alfreton, Farsley Celtic and Congleton four of the seven sides still to visit the Showground, Underwood's men could yet achieve the impossible.

"If we can carry on the way we are going we have got a chance to get off the bottom. That's the challenge," said the Harwood boss. "To get out of the bottom three is a tall order but we will keep going.

"Everybody writing us off has helped because there's no pressure. The lads have just gone out and enjoyed it.

"In the last two games we have been under a bit of pressure late on but we have soeaked it up and the lads have responded to what I've told them before games and at half-time unbelievably. The spirit is superb."

Harwood ended Bradford Park Avenue's eight-match unbeaten run in mid-week but the downside was injuries to Mark Henshaw (hamstring) and Neil Kennedy (face).

Both are doubtful for tomorrow but Underwood may add Mark Robinson and Dave Livsey to his squad.

NELSON player-manager John Bailey is hoping to sign a loan striker in time for tomorrow's derby clash at home to Colne in the North-West Trains League second Division. Bailey's forward options have been decimated with Matt Shiels, Jonathan Irvine, Nigel Coates and Steve Ross all out of contention.

The Nelson boss, who may dust off his own boots after not playing since September, will also give a late fitness check to Mark Robinson.

"We have got a defeat to avenge from the last time we played them," said Bailey.

"Denzil Hart has done a good job with the resources he has got and my players will have to be up for it, because they will be."

BACUP Borough manager Brent Peters also has injury problems to contend with ahead of tomorrow's visit of Formby.

Damian Moran (fractured foot) and Colin Lambert (groin) are out and midfielder Simon Cash is doubtful with a foot injury.

Recent signings Paul Thomas and Jason Rogers could figure and Peters may also take the chance to use some of his younger players.

Bacup will be glad to get back into action after last night's derby with Colne at Holte House was postponed late on becasue of a waterlogged pitch - a decision that left Peters fuming.

"We have lads coming over from Manchester and Rochdale who had to rush away from work and we have played on a lot worse than that," he said.

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