THE battle is on for Great Harwood as they bid to climb off the NWCL Division One basement.
The Robins have taken seven points from their last four games as new boss John Hughes fights to save them from going straight back down after they were promoted last season.
"There is a chance just one will go down and so we have got to try and close the gap now. It is all about trying to stay up for the moment and we still stand a chance," said Hughes with seven league games left.
Orginally two sides were meant to be relegated but it does depend on which teams are promoted to Division One.
And Harwood have done themselves no harm with their 3-1 win against Congleton on Saturday at Darwen where Lee Sculpher and Darren Rodgers (two) were on target.
They did slip to a 2-1 loss to Squires Gate on Monday - with new signing Neil Smith, from Chorley scoring - but are only four points off second off bottom Atherton Colleries, with games in hand.
And they could do themselves the world of good when they travel to Stone Dominoes on Saturday (ko 3pm) - a team they have already beaten this season - and then they face Salford City at Accrington Stanley on Monday night (ko 7.45).
There is talk of a ground-share with Accrington Stanley next season but nothing has yet been ratified.
The main focus at Harwood is staying up and Hughes, who was appointed two weeks ago, has been impressed with his side's survival fight.
"Liam McManus has been brilliant for me," enthused the boss. "He is one of the youngest players in our side but he has played up front, right back and left back. He has stood up and been counted - and some of the players needed to do that.
"And Ryan Dervish, who couldn't play on Monday, has also been a revelation. I thought he was a midfielder but I played him at left back and I think I have found his best position.
"Monday was hard as the players tired - perhaps it was their fitness levels - but we have some cover now."
Hughes signed John Gillies, Smith, Lee Pennington, Chris Naylor and George Craddock last Thursday and hopes they will make an impression.
"We signed these as cover but they are young players so we are also looking to next season as well. I want the players to enjoy playing again."
