GREAT Harwood are hoping to continue their charge up the NWCL Division Two table with their Boxing Day clash with local rivals Darwen at the Interlink (ko 3pm).

The Robins last lost a league fixture at the end of October and have turned in five straight league wins and victory in the Division Two Trophy.

This has propelled John Hughes' side into mid-table and victory over fifth placed Darwen will be a huge boost for Harwood.

"It is a big game and it will be a good test for us but we are all confident at the moment," said Hughes.

But the Robins will be without seven goal top scorer Darren Rodgers who has left to join NWCL Division One side Ramsbottom although Harwood have countered it by putting seven days on their former prolific striker, and current Darwen player, Paul Mashiter.

"We are disappointed to lose Darren but he is always welcome back," said Hughes.

"I tried to tempt him to stay by making him captain when Ryan Fisher wasn't playing but Darren has explained to me he wants to play up front and he is not enjoying playing in midfield so he has joined Ramsbottom and good luck to him.

"But we have put seven days on Mashy and we hope to have him back with us for the Nelson game on January 2."

Harwood's last win came on Monday when they left it late to put three past Chadderton. John Eastham (70), Yakub Khan (83) and Fletcher (87) were on target.

"It was a good game and in the first half we created chances and just couldn't put the ball in the net," continued the boss.

"Chadderton did lose their manager last week and the new one had six new players.so it was tough for them but I still think the scoreline flattered them.

"With us though we are entertaining to watch as we do create a lot of chances and we are defending well so long may it continue."

Hughes was unlucky to miss out on the Manager of the Month despite their rapid rise up the table.

Meanwhile Robins player Jim Thompson, who lives in Rochdale, has joined Castleton Gabriels.