GREAT Harwood boss Dave Sharples knows Saturday's Challenge Cup clash with NWCL Division Two bottom side Castleton Gabriels is a "must win" game.

Harwood are at home (ko 3pm) in the first round and need a morale boost after losing their latest NWCL Division One match against Trafford 3-2 last Saturday.

They were 3-0 down but Paul Mashiter fired home his eighth goal of the season from the penalty spot and Andy Taylor got the other before time ran out.

"Trafford are the best football side I have seen," said the Harwood boss, whose side remain bottom of the table.

"I made changes at half-time and sorted a few things out and it almost worked.

"But it does mean we have to win tomorrow. They are bottom of the table in a lower league and it means it is a must win game for us."

Then Harwood make the short trip to Nelson next Tuesday in the first round of the Lancashire FA Marsden Shield (ko 7.45pm).

"They also play in Division Two but I expect them to be up for it as they will be looking to take a scalp.

"I am glad to have two cup games though as it gives me a chance to have a look at my team, sort out the way we play and then build on that in the league.

"We have no problem scoring goals with Mashy but we need to cut out our defensive mistakes."