GREAT Harwood boss John Hughes will be out to make sure his side keep up their unbeaten record against Darwen on Saturday (ko 3pm).

Harwood make the short trip to the Anchor Ground having beaten Steve Wilkes' side in the league and in the semi-final of the Division Two Trophy over two legs this season.

It promises to be a keenly contested game as Hughes welcomes back the experienced Paul Mashiter, Andy Taylor and Ryan Parr following their last two NWCL Division Two clashes.

The Showground side lost 1-0 to Ashton on Saturday after a Paul Goldthorpe own goal and drew 0-0 with Blackpool Mechanics on Monday night.

However he was impressed the way his young side handled themselves against Mechanics.

"The oldest lad in our team was 24 and we had two 16-year-olds in the side. Up front I had Nicky Hand, who had played one game, and Liam Taylor, making his debut. It was a big step up for them but they did well as the game went on."

He has been forced to rely on youngsters with skipper Parr missing 13-games this season because of his job as a printer, Mashiter struggling with a thigh injury and James Dean out for personal reasons.

"I am now rebuilding for next season and I am pleased with what I am seeing," said Hughes, who is though, ready for tomorrow.

He added: "Darwen will be a tough game because they are doing well but it is a local derby so anything can happen."

On Monday, Harwood travel to promotion chasing Flixton (ko 3pm). "It is an intimidating place and we will need strong characters."

  • The final of the Division Two Trophy against Colne will take place May 3 at Clitheroe FC.