UPBEAT Carl Garner says that Boxing Day’s win at Lancaster City was just the tonic his Clitheroe men needed ahead on the tough New Year’s Eve trek to Durham City – and insists the Blues can look forward to 2012.

Garner was cheered by Monday’s deserved success at Giant Axe and is now looking for more of the same despite his Blues being in the bottom third of the Evo-Stik League First Division North.

“It was a good win, especially after the 6-2 loss to Fylde last time out,” said Garner.

“That game was tighter than it seemed with the scoreline and at 2-1 down we hit the bar when we could easily have scored – and they went straight down the other end and made it three.

“The margins are that tight in this league – but we are heading the right way.”

That game saw Clitheroe’s former Blackburn man Marlon Broomes go up against Fylde’s ex-Blackpool star Keigan Parker but Garner prefers to look to youth.

“That game said it all,” he added.

“Those two were in the league last year so it shows the standard.

“But I am looking to build a young squad.”

The latest youngster to be snapped up by Garner is former Rochdale professional Josh Dale, who has signed on at Shawbridge from Spanish side Racing Portunese.

“He has been over there and has a good pedigree,” said Garner.

“That’s the sort of player I want here and now we have received international clearance for him he will be in the squad.

“We have a good tradition of young lads being at Clitheroe and moving on up the leagues and we hope we can continue that.

“One thing’s for certain, they won’t get rich playing here – but they might do their career some good.”