GREAT Harwood Town take on higher league opposition in the League Challenge Cup tomorrow - and manager John Hughes hopes it's the shape of things to come.

Hughes takes the in-form NWCL Division Two side to Atherton LR for the second round clash hoping the game is not just a one-off.

For the Showground boss has his sights firmly set on promotion where Great Harwood would be playing the likes of Atherton on a weekly basis.

So Hughes admits the cup competition is a nice distraction but not a priority.

"Promotion is our number one aim but these games give us a chance to test ourselves against teams from a higher league. We've already beaten Nantwich so we know what we are capable of.

"I want to be playing the likes of Atherton on a weekly basis in Division One and not just in one-off cup games. People don't remember who won this competition last season but they do remember who got promoted. That is our aim."

Great Harwood, who have lost just one league game all season, are currently sixth in the league but have games in hand on their promotion rivals.

Hughes added: "We've only played 12 league games and there is still a long way to go. But we will be ready for when the games come thick and fast after Christmas."

Neil Kennedy and Ryan Parr are back to bolster Great Harwood's defence while striker Paul Mashiter is expected to return for the trip to Atherton.

But Hughes is still looking to fill the void left by leading scorer Matty Derbyshire, who scored on his Blackburn Rovers debut in the youth team's 2-0 win against Bury St Edmonds. The manager is hoping to sign a new striker at the weekend with other new signings imminent.

Great Harwood travel to Winsford for their re-arranged Division Two Trophy game on Wednesday.