GREAT Harwood boss Dave Sharples is confident his side can avoid relegation after their stunning display against one-time NWCL Division One league leaders St Helens.
Robins hot shot Paul Mashiter scored twice in the second and 24th minutes as they stunned the Saints and raced into a two goal on Saturday - and the star striker made it 12 goals for the season.
But the Saints came back with three goals in 13 minutes before John Eastham struck home a 67th minute leveller - his seventh goal of the season.
"On the balance of chances, we could have won it as well," said the happy boss. "Mashy was outstanding, he was the best player on the pitch.
"We gave away three goals to long balls into the box which we didn't clear but we cut out the errors in the second half and got a deserved equaliser.
"We have now had two draws against teams who have been top of the league so we know we are more than capable of getting results."
And, although two do face the drop, the Robins chief has every belief that Harwood won't be one of them. "The first mission is to catch Formby and we have three games in hand on them and have to play them twice yet.
"And there are 23 league games left this season for us - that is a lot of points - so we know we have every chance."
And Sharples has been boosted with the addition of experienced defender Ged Walsh, who has played in the UniBond and North West Counties League.
"He wasn't getting a game for Ramsbottom so we are pleased to have him here. We want to get him involved as soon as possible," said the boss.
And that could start on Saturday as Harwood are at home to mid-table Stone Dominoes in the league (ko 3pm).
