GREAT HARWOOD FC
HARWOOD boss John Hughes has been impressed with his side's battling start - especially considering they have had key players missing.
Matty Darbyshire, Darren Rogers and Neil Kennedy have all been suspended for the start while Paul Mashiter is suffering from flu.
But Harwood defeated Chadderton 3-1 in their opening North West Counties Division Two fixture last Saturday and drew 1-1 with Nelson on Tuesday night.
Jon Eastham and Ryan Parr scored in the Chadderton win while Chris Heslop netted in the Nelson derby.
"I have been pleased - we haven't been beaten and we haven't been able to put out our strongest side. We are a team of young kids, with Dave Sharples and Neil Kennedy adding the experience and so far we have done well."
Harwood scored first in the Nelson clash after Heslop looped the keeper following a ball in from Parr. Nelson grabbed one late on.
"The lads were gutted as we could have won that one. We had enough chances, Jon Eastham had a few opportunities but just couldn't get the ball in the net. And Chris Heslop did well up front. We had a couple of lads making their debuts and it was a bit shakey at first but we soon settled down."
Harwood are hoping they can challenge for the top of the table this season.
"I don't think we have anything to fear from this league - we are confident we can do well."
The Showground side travel to Leek CSOB tomorrow (ko 3pm) and welcome Formby to the Showground on Monday (ko 7.45).
"The suspensions end for the Monday game so hopefully we will see the difference although Formby are a good side," added Hughes.
Bobby Harris is the number one goalkeeper until he joins the army in October - Paul Snape and Daryl Sloane are waiting in the wings.
