DARWEN manager Steve Wilkes has received a major boost in his battle against being the first manager to have a side relegated in the club's 110 year history by resigning top scorer Denny Khan.

Khan left the Anchor Ground four weeks ago to join North West Counties League Division One rivals Haslingden - and rock-bottom Darwen haven't scored a goal since.

So the return of the 12-goal striker will strengthen the team as they search for their first 'double' of the season when they travel to Warrington Town on Saturday.

Wilkes said: "Getting Denny back is good news for us because he is a smashing bloke and a great goalscorer. We've got a tough job but I am sure we can do it because there is no way I want to be the first manager in charge of a side relegated."

Manager Leighton James has set his Accrington Stanley side a target of six wins to secure safety in the Unibond Premier League.

With 14 games to go, James feels that half a dozen victories will be enough to see off the threat of relegation - before the hard work begins in the summer.

He said: "I always said that my main aim in the first season was to stabilise the club before mounting a serious challenge for one of the top spots next season.

"I don't really like setting targets but if we pick up another 18 to 20 points then there will be a number of teams below us who will not be able to catch up."

New signing Tony Black is expected to make his debut in Saturday's home clash against Blyth Spartan as James begins to shake things up at the Crown Ground. Goalkeeper Rob Mulloy, defenders Darren Quick and Greg Challender and winger David Lever have all been put on the transfer list.

Great Harwood have slumped into the bottom two of the Unibond League Division One but manager Ian McGarry is not panicking just yet.

After losing 6-1 at Farsley Celtic on Saturday, the Showground side have another tough test when they travel to third-placed Whitby Town at the weekend.

McGarry said: "There is nothing to worry about just yet. We have games in hand and our destination is still in our own hands."

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