GREAT Harwood are trying to keep focused on the game in hand - although their giant clash with league leaders FC United looms at the end of this month.
Harwood travel to Leek CSOB tomorrow (Sat, ko 3pm) looking to extend their unbeaten NCWL Division Two run to ten games following their goalless draw with Blackpool Mechanics at the weekend.
But manager John Hughes admits it is tricky to keep his side's mind on Leek when, in their next game, a couple of thousand fans are waiting for them to take on pacesetters FC United on Sunday, 29 January at the Interlink (ko 2pm).
"It is the big game in the league," said Hughes. "All the lads want to take on FC United. Take nothing away from FC United, they have done well but they have players in their side who could play at UniBond level.
"But, at the end of the day, they are there to be beaten and we have just got to go out, perform to out best and hopefully win the game."
The Robins boss was disappointed after being sent to the stands in their goalless draw with Blackpool Mechanics which moved Harwood up to fifth place in the league.
"We were about to put the ball in the net in the second half but one of their lads was injured so the referee blew," said Hughes.
"They treated him and, according to the rules, he should have been off the pitch.
"But he went straight on for the drop ball in the 18 yard box and we kicked the ball goalwards and it hit him!
"I shouted to the referee about the rules - I didn't swear or anything - but I was sent to the stands. It was so annoying."
While he was furious at the officials, the manager was also disappointed that his side couldn't put the ball in the net.
"It was one of those days. We did everything - we hit the post, we had three cleared off the line and we had goals ruled out for off-side.
"Blackpool are a good, physical side but we should have won it in the second half.
"We threw points away against Castleton the week before and threw points away this weekend.
"That is disappointing but it was just one of those days."
Hughes is looking to go into the transfer market this week as Neil Kennedy got a cut under his eye on Saturday, impressive defender Ben Howarth, who has been a big part of their unbeaten run, is off to Australia and Joel Burnside is also missing.
"I am hoping we have enough ammunition for tomorrow at Leek but I have thought that for the last two weeks and it hasn't worked out like that. But hopefully I will be able to get a couple of players in before the FC United game."
