YOU would have to be a fool to compare Paul Kidd to Scrooge but the big Accrington player/coach wouldn't mind Christmas being cancelled.

For Accrington are in the form of their collective lives and have put together the best string of results under the four-year guidance of Kidd.

And like the Dickens' character, Kidd's Accrington are being Scrooge-like when it comes to giving away points -- they currently have the second tightest defence in North West Counties League Division Six.

Unbeaten in five, with a total of nine points out of a possible 10, it is no wonder that Kidd would prefer to play on through the festive period than have to wait until the New Year.

Humbug indeed!

"Confidence is sky high within the squad at the moment. It is a very exciting time to be involved in the club. But for now it is just training for us as we do not have a game until the New Year."

Accrington are seventh in the league but have conceded just 164 points -- only bettered by leaders Cadishead.

"The games we have lost have been very close affairs. Nobody has given us a hammering so we have plenty to look forward to in the New Year."

And with games in hand on their rivals the Livingstone Road club have not ruled out a promotion push after the break.

Kidd puts the club's renewed optimism down to assistant coach Paul Scanlon.

"Paul has been with the club for a number of years but this season he has become my assistant. It has been a big boost for the club and for me because it takes the pressure off."

The club showed just how confident they are after rattling up a 62-6 win against Southport on Saturday -- one of the best victories in their history.

Rookie winger Martin Taylor continues to impress, scoring four tries with Tony Hindle, Paul Wilcock, Nick Cook, Ian Coates, Jonathan Horsfield and Russ McLean all adding tries while former Batley and Swinton scrum half Steve Ellis weighed in with seven kicks.

Kidd added: "The future looks very good for the club. There is no reason why we can't launch a push for promotion."