BACUP manager Brent Peters has paid tribute to goalkeeper Adam Potts who has won the NWCL 'Safe Hands' award for March.

Potts, who was previously at Rossendale, Haslingden and Clitheroe before signing for Bacup at the beginning of this season, has played a vital part in Bacup's run to the final of the Second Division Trophy.

"He kept us in that semi final game against Daisy Hill because we were a goal down after three minutes but then he made a brilliant save just after in a one-on-one," said Peters.

"If we had gone two down then it would have been game, set and match."

Peters joked: "Whoever gave him this award obviously didn't see him let in that free kick from 30 yards against Warrington."

Potts, a former Stockport County trainee from Cheadle, played under Peters at Rossendale before signing for the West View club in August last year.

But in the early weeks of the season the 28-year-old suffered a pelvic injury and was out until Christmas.

His return has coincided with the club's run to the final of the Second Division Trophy, which will take place on Thursday, May 10 at Skelmersdale United's ground (kick-off 7.30pm).

"He deserves this award," said Peters. "He is a good keeper and an experienced keeper.

"Any player who has been at a league club has had a good upbringing even if they get released.

"If they keep practising what they have been taught they can go on to greater things, even if that doesn't always mean getting back into League football.

"You can tell Adam has done that. It is obvious he has been coached well. He works hard and keeps himself fit.

"He makes mistakes but everyone does. That 30 yard free kick he let in was only because he was shouting at his wall to get organised."

Bacup have a home tie against strugglers Oldham Town tomorrow but Peters says they can't be complacent. "This is silly season. With so many games being played anything can happen."