NEW Nelson manager Steve Cunningham believes the Admirals have more than enough ability to pull clear of danger in the Hallmark Security League First Division this season.

Cunningham took the job last week having spent the past two seasons with Colne reserves and oversaw his first game in charge last weekend when Nelson were beaten by a late Cheadle Town goal in a 2-1 reverse.

That leaves Cunningham's men bottom of the table having won just one of their 16 league games so far this term ahead of tonight's trip to runaway leaders Silsden (7.45pm).

But the Admirals chief is convinced his squad can begin to move forward with the boss pinpointing Monday night's trip to second bottom Daisy Hill as an ideal opportunity to kickstart a run of results.

"It will be a tough game at Silsden, no-one is expecting us to go there and win so there is no pressure on us and we can just try and cause a shock," he said.

"Then we have a really big game on Monday night against Daisy Hill who are down there with us and that is the most important one for me.

"The sooner we can get a win the better and if we do it against Daisy Hill then hopefully we can get some belief back and I am sure the second, third and fourth wins will follow on very quickly.

"The ability is there, it is just about getting some belief."

Cunningham has already added to the ranks with the signing of former Padiham midfielder Alex Grice and is keen to bring in a few more experienced additions.

"Going forward I would like to bring in three or four new signings," he added.

"We have one done already in Alex Grice and I am hopeful of getting another one over the line.

"We need a few older heads as we have a young squad, I think almost all of them are under 25 so I just to bring that bit of experience in.

"But I will work with the squad that we have got, I have told them they will all get a chance to show what they can do.

"The club took their time in appointing someone and the reason for that was because the last couple of managers have completely changed the playing staff and the club want some consistency.

"I know we have some good players and we have a strong youth side so I am sure we can push forward."

Cunningham, who has managed extensively in the East Lancashire League, has a brief of survival this season and insists it will be one step at a time at Little Wembley.

"We want to be safe this season and then push forward next year," he said. "I do think we can get to mid-table.

"It is a great opportunity here and I am thankful for the club for giving me the chance."

Elsewhere, Bacup Borough are in first division action tomorrow looking to make it back to back wins when they travel to a Cheadle Town side above them in the table on goal difference.

In the Premier Division, improving Padiham look for a fourth win in five when they entertain 1874 Northwich while struggling AFC Darwen are on the road at Burscough.

Barnoldswick Town are without a game this weekend.

Ramsbottom United broke their Evo-Stik North away duck at leaders Bamber Bridge last time out and will be confident of repeating the trick against basement boys Goole who have won just oner of their 19 league games so far this term.

Clitheroe ended Hyde United's unbeaten run last time out and host an Ossett Albion side who have not won on the road this season while Colne entertain Skelmersdale United knowing a win will take them above their opponents.

National League North side Chorley are in FA Trophy action and make the trip to Evo-Stik Premier side Grantham Town in the third qualifying round.