CHORLEY manager John Hughes has a chance to give himself a stay of execution at Rocester tomorrow.

The Staffordshire side have yet to mark their first UniBond Division One season with a victory so three points for Chorley will give them some breathing space from the bottom club.

But Hughes admits it will be difficult to know where to turn if they follow up Tuesday's 4-1 collapse at Colwyn Bay with another defeat.

He said: "I don't want to be in a situation where I'm under pressure but things can't go on as they are.

"We were brilliant in the first half on Tuesday and should have been seven up. The chairman asked me how we didn't win the game, but to me it's the same old story.

"We haven't been outplayed all season so maybe if someone new came in they would have more fortune.

"As time goes on I feel like I've run over a black cat."

Illness and injury are also conspiring to hamper Hughes's preparation as Ryan Hutchinson, Peter Corvino and Lee Pennington are out, with James Price away.

David Eatock and Matt Swailes could be available to take their place in the squad.

CLITHEROE manager Lee Sculpher hopes Jason Jones' return from Chorley is completed in time for tomorrow's home game with Willenhall Town.

Lee Cryer and Stuart Todhunter are out while Sculpher, Chris Nestor and Gary Jackson all face late fitness tests and Chris Whittingham completes a three-game ban.

Sculpher said: "Willenhall had a great win at Warrington on Tuesday but our confidence is quite high because we've scored twice in each of our last two league games.

"We need to capitalise on it with our home form now and make Shawbridge a fortress."

Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Woodley Sports made it four points from two away games for the Blues following their 2-0 victory at Telford last weekend.

The squad will also be boosted next week by the arrival of Ryan Parr from Great Harwood Town.

Mark Molyneaux is hoping for a couple of minor injuries to clear up, as well as pondering some new signings, ahead of ROSSENDALE UNITED'S home game with Ossett Albion.

The goalkeeping manager was delighted to see his side score four times at Mossley on Tuesday - but then watched five goals go past him at the other end.

"People didn't do their jobs to the maximum and it needs addressing very quickly," said Molyneaux.

"I'm a big believer in continuity but there is room for improvement because when you score four away from home there's no way you should ever lose."

"It's a big week with two home league games and we need six points because we're way behind our target for the month."

"But every game is tough in this league so we can't worry about anyone else, we have to get it right ourselves."