BARNOLDSWICK Town boss Matt Barnes believes his side are becoming one to be feared in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division.

Barlick were beaten 3-2 by table-topping City of Liverpool in midweek but Barnes felt his side created enough chances to win the match and has been pleased with a start which leaves his side seventh after eight games.

“We lost our first two games but since then I have been pleased with the way we have been playing,” said Barnes.

“We have been winning games and the one league game we haven’t won was against top of the table and we had enough chances to win it, they were just more clinical than us.

“We are certainly heading in the right direction.

“I am not worried about how we will do, I think the top six would be a good benchmark for us and we are only nine points off the top so we can still realistically think about challenging for the league title.

“It is a long season but I think teams are now thinking about us and how hard a game we will give them.

“There is a lot to look forward to, we have another difficult game this weekend at home to Runcorn who are another side who will be there or thereabouts but I am not worried about anyone else.

“I want teams to worry about us.

“I hope we are becoming a team to fear and that is what we want. We want sides to know they will be in for a tough game when they come here and that it won’t just be another fixture.”

Barnes was also pleased to be able to field six teenagers in his midweek starting XI.

“That was great to see and the future of the club looks really bright with some of the talent coming through,” he added.

Elsewhere tomorrow, Padiham entertain Litherland REMYCA looking to bounce back from their midweek FA Vase exit.

In the First Division North, upwardly mobile AFC Darwen are on the road at Cleator Moor Celtic while Bacup visit Lower Breck and Nelson host Chadderton.

In the Evo-Stik League West, Ramsbottom United host Clitheroe for the second time in four days.

The pair met on Wednesday night in the first round of the Integro League Cup when the visitors were victorious 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Harry Cannon-Noren put Clitheroe in front on the hour before Jack Higgs forced the shoot out with a late leveller.

Rammy will be hoping for revenge in the league clash.