ATHERTON LR will have their work cut out when they go in search of much-needed points at Newcastle Town tomorrow.

The Potteries side have been invincible in the Vodkat NW Counties Premier Division, heading the table by 18 points after winning all their 20 games while LR — repeatedly hampered by injuries and suspension and frustrated by a rash of postponements in recent weeks — paid dearly for a lack of match practice when they went down 2-0 at home to Colne on Tuesday.

Manager Dave Hughes, who recently reinforced his squad with five new signings, conceded: “You could obviously see that we haven’t played regularly for a long while. Fitness levels were poor, we were a yard down all over the place and got outplayed.

“One game in four weeks results in no match fitness and we’re struggling.

“We have brought young players in and they are going to have to learn quickly on their feet. We can only put out what we have got and that’s all we have at the moment.”

Atherton Collieries travel to First Division leaders Leek CSOB determined to build on their victory over Norton United last time out.

Daisy Hill also have a tough test when they travel to fourth-placed Irlam Town.

Radcliffe Borough will aim to get their UniBond Division One North campaign back on track after a raft of postponments when they visit Woodley while Leigh Genesis will bid to bounce back against play-off rivals FC Halifax Town at the Leigh Sports Village Stadium following their 3-1, midweek defeat at Bamber Bridge. In the Premier League, FC United visit Whitby Town.