RAMSBOTTOM United have put seven days on Stand hot-shot Chris Denham.

Denham has scored five goals in six games in NWCL Division Two this season and Rams manager Mike Kelly hopes he is the answer to their goalscoring problems.

Kelly can speak to Denham on Thursday regarding a possible move to the NWCL First Division side but it is thought that Stand manager Nick Davis will fight hard to keep the young striker.

"I am struggling to find a good partner for Russell Brierley up front," said Kelly.

"Russ is doing far too much. He needs to be in the box, he is not going to score from out on the wing.

"Obviously I can't speak to Chris until Thursday so I have no idea whether he would like to come to us, but I watched him when he played for Prestwich Heys and he impressed me."

Ramsbottom have lost the last two games by a 4-1 margin and Kelly knows they need to turn it around, starting tonight at Maine Road.

Former Coventry and Bury player Paul Williams will make his debut in midfield and centre half Dave Roach could return after a holiday.

Steve Orrell is also now available after the end of the cricket season and defender Mark Thomas's suspension is up.

The Rams have struggled without centre half Mike Smith, who was at the centre of a controversial move to Rossendale United in the summer, but Kelly hopes to find the answer soon.

"It is not just losing Mike, it is about injuries and suspensions as well," said Kelly.

"And it is not just the defence that is the problem. It is also the the midfield standing on their toes letting players loads of room in front of them.

"But that centre half spot hasn't been an easy place to fill.

"We have let in eight goals in the last two games so you could say we are missing Smith but hopefully Steve Bryce might be able to plug the gap."

Also in action tonight, Chorley travel to Trafford and Rossendale face the long trip to Workington in the UniBond First Division.

Dale will be hoping to build on their good start to the season which has rocketed them to their highest ever league position.

They are still unbeaten this season and occupy second spot on the same number of points as leaders Eastwood.

In NWCL Division One in-form Clitheroe, who have scored eight goals in their last two games, are at home to Warrington.

In Division Two Darwen are at home to Alsager, Bacup travel to Holker and Blackpool Mechanics are the visitors to Ewood Bridge to face second placed Stand.