CLITHEROE boss Simon Garner is confident his side can upset the Evo-Stik League First Division North form book and secure three points when neighbours Ramsbottom United come to town tomorrow.

Garner’s men have struggled over the past few months picking up just one win in their last 10 matches – a run which started with a 4-1 defeat to Ramsbottom in the reverse fixture.

In the same period the upwardly mobile Rams have climbed to the fringes of the play-off pack following a run of seven wins in name games beginning with the victory over Clitheroe.

The Rams have also won their last four scoring 20 goals in the process and sit seventh – five places and 10 points ahead of the Shawbridge outfit.

But despite those statistics, Garner is confident of a positive result for Clitheroe.

“We honestly fancy our chances against Ramsbottom on Saturday,” said Garner.

“Ramsbottom are a good organised team, and their results show that, we also have a respect for Ramsbottom and the way they have built a settled team, but we have the ability to beat them.

“If we show the same fight from last week on a better pitch where we are able to play more football, we will cause them problems and we feel we will get a result.”

Garner will welcome back Danny Morton to his squad from suspension and hopes that will help lift spirits in his squad.

He added: “In recent weeks we have seen us low in confidence and a little downbeat, but there were signs on Saturday that we are coming back from that.

“The new additions plus the return of Danny Morton might just be the lift that we need to get us back on a winning run.”

Elsewhere, Padiham are on the road at Bamber Bridge while in the Premier Division high-flying Chorley make the trip to Blyth Spartans.

In the North West Counties League Premier Division, struggling Bacup and Rossendale Borough face a trip to mid-table Ashton Athletic looking for three points to help them out of the relegation zone.

Colne, who are yet to draw a single league game this season, host Stockport Sports while Barnoldswick Town are away at Norton United.

In the First Division, title-challengers Nelson will aim to keep their place at the top of the pile when Atherton Collieries make the trip to Victoria Park.

It sees first play third and with the visitors seven points behind Mark Fell’s side with two games in hand it is a huge game for the Admirals.

Elsewhere, AFC Darwen travel to Rochdale Town.