COLNE boss Steve Cunningham is excited about the potential in his young side as they prepare for the visit of Ramsbottom United tonight.

Both sides enjoyed opening day victories at the weekend and both harbour play-off ambitions this term.

For Cunningham it has been another busy summer with 10 new faces arriving at Holt House. Six of those made their debuts in the 2-1 win at Newcastle Town and the Reds chief has again put his faith in youth.

"We have made 10 signings and eight of them are under 21," said Cunningham. "Six players made their debuts at Newcastle and six of the XI were under 21 so we have got a young side.

"The profile of player we have looked at is young and we want to be a side with energy and pace."

Among those through the door are former Rovers pair Brad Lynch, 18, and Matty Makinson while Reece Webb-Foster, 20, has arrived having been released by Bradford City.

"We want to give these players a chance," said Cunningham. "It can be an asset to the club if we get good young players because they might bring a fee in and if not then we know we have a good side for the next few seasons that can develop and get better."

Colne suffered a slow start to last season but strung together a superb second half of the campaign and only missed out on the play-offs on the final day of the season.

And Cunningham wants to go one better this time around.

"We expect to be challenging for the play-offs this season but I do think it is a very open league," he added.

"I think anyone can beat anyone and I can't see one side running away with it.

"It was great for us to start with a win, particularly away from home, and we are looking forward to the Ramsbottom game now.

"There is no love lost between me and Mark Fell (Ramsbottom manager) and we beat them twice last season so they will be desperate to get a result.

"They are a good side and have a lot of experienced players so we know it will be a tough game but it is our first home game of the season and we want to try and show the fans that come down that we have an exciting team this year."

Elsewhere, Clitheroe will bid to bounce back from their 4-0 home defeat to Kidsgrove Athletic on the opening day when they travel to Radcliffe Borough.

There is an East Lancashire derby in the Hallmark Security League First Division North as Nelson entertain AFC Darwen at Little Wembley.

The Admirals will be looking to maintain their momentum having beaten Holker Old Boys 4-0 at the weekend while Darwen, who have four points from four games, could overtake their neighbours with a victory.

In the Premier Division, Barnoldswick Town, who have taken just one point from their opening three games, are on the road at Irlam.

Padiham, in sixth, host Silsden tomorrow.