RAMSBOTTOM United manager Lee Sculpher has added 21-year-old defender Gareth Thornley to his injury ravaged squad ahead of the weekend clash at the Riverside against Nantwich Town, writes Marc Higginson.

And, despite being down to the bare bones, Sculpher is optimistic his side can carry on the momentum gained from the cup win over Abbey Hey last weekend that saw them progress into the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

Sculpher said: "I'm glad that we got through in the cup because it keeps the season alive for us. We had six players out through injury and we came through against a very workmanlike team on a poor pitch.

"League games become more important when you are still involved in the Cup and it means there is no excuse for a lack of effort and application every week.

"It was a very professional performance and I was happy that we kept a clean sheet, and searched hard for a second goal."

United are still to find out their opponents in the next round and are awaiting on a replay involving Salford City and Glossop North End. Either way, they will be at home.

Thornley is set to go straight into the starting line-up for Saturday's game after signing for the next month. The Radcliffe-born player has been playing College football at a high level for the past three years and the manager is excited by his new acquisition.

"Gareth is only young but he looks an excellent player and he could prove to be a valuable player for us over the next four or five games."

The manager is also set to give a start to another defender - Carl Webster - after a frustrating campaign for the stopper.

Sculper said: "I feel for Carl because he hasn't had much of a chance this season. That is because he plays in a position where we are reasonably well off. However, he never lets me down and I expect him to make the most of his chance this weekend."

Sculpher could be without eight first team regulars for the 3pm kick-off against Nantwich.