RAMSBOTTOM United manager Lee Sculpher is hoping his young side can carry on their excellent run of form and make it a Merry Christmas for the Riverside supporters.

The Rams are eager to get into action after last weekend's clash with Glossop was abandoned due to a frozen pitch and Sculpher is relishing the local derby clash with Bacup on Boxing Day.

Sculpher said: "When the fixtures come out, one of the first games you look for are your Boxing Day opponents and the fact it is a local derby adds even more spice to the occasion.

"We are on a decent run of form and have only lost one league game since the middle of September.

"It was disappointing when the Glossop game was called off because, with no disrespect to Glossop, I felt we were capable of winning the game and sending ourselves into the festive games in good spirits."

The manager has added Jason Jones and 19-year-old defender Chris Nestor to his squad in recent weeks and is confident his United side can start turning some of their draws into victories.

The former Clitheroe boss said: "We are on a decent run of form but the criticism is still there that we are drawing too many games.

"I think this squad has the potential to win about 16 of their final 21 games this season and I think it's a mental thing.

"The players are good enough and it's making sure they have the hunger and appetite to go on a winning run. Other teams will do it, so why can't we?"

Sculpher is set to be without Chris Steele, Adam Cook and Stewart Cartridge until the New Year but has been boosted by the form of his current side, particularly goalkeeper Martin Campbell.

Sculpher signed Campbell in October and his faith was rewarded when Campbell was named goalkeeper of the month for November after conceding just one goal in four games.

Sculpher enthused: "Martin has been superb for us and has done everything I have asked from him. He has trained well and his on-field performances have been excellent.

"To be fair to the other lads, though, he has had a good defence in front of him and not had much to do at times. When he has had work to do, he has done it tremendously well."

Looking into the future, Sculpher believes his young side are starting to find their feet and can make a title challenge next season.

He said: "Our sequence of results has been good and we have won four out of the last six, up to the Accrington match, and only let in one goal.

"I said at the start of the season that it would take time to gel and get the team playing the way I wanted them to play. But more and more that is coming across.

"We have a young squad and it has taken time for the young players to cope with the physical demands. The average age is 21 and we have only three players aged 25 or over and we will be looking to keep them together for a title push next season."