UNSWORTH captain Aman Arora is hoping Saturday’s five-wicket victory over Monton can kick start their climb away from danger in the Greater Manchester League Division One B.

The Denpole Lane outfit are second bottom and in danger of relegation.

They went into Saturday’s home clash having won three games and lost seven, only to secure victory over a top-four Monton side chasing 158, avenging a season-opening nine-wicket defeat on the road.

It leaves new skipper Arora and his men on 21 points, level with Thornham directly above them and with a game in hand.

“We’ve had a mixed start to say the least,” said Arora, who has taken over leadership duties from all-rounder Jack O’Brien, one of Saturday’s standout performers.

“It was a good win, and hopefully now we can get on a run.

“We were missing a few players on Saturday as well.

“We had a bye first week, so this was the start of the second half of the season for us.

“I expected more from the first half, but I’m confident we can have a strong run. I believe our league position doesn't reflect our side.”

Arora was particularly pleased his side were able to chase down a target, something they hadn’t done previously this season.

They bowled their visitors out for 157, with vice captain O’Brien taking 3-31 from 8.5 overs having taken the new ball.

Off-spinner Indy Singh returned 4-40 from 15 overs, while Indian professional Amogh Desai chipped in with two wickets.

In reply, vice captain O’Brien was elevated to open due to unavailability and hit 30.

When he was out, the score was 92-4 with work still to be done. But Jack Ryder and Singh shared 49 for the fifth wicket to kill the game. Ryder finished with 25 and Singh 24 not out.

“We’ve really struggled chasing, so this was a big moment,” said Arora.

“In our first game of the season, we played Monton and were 70-odd for one and only finished with 150, although we batted first in that game.

“We were also 100-and-odd for two chasing 185 in a game against Stand and 130 all out. We’ve lost a few like that.

“That’s why it was important Jack (Ryder) and Indy pushed us forward.

“The other good thing was the pro, who is in his first year in the UK, has scored a few runs.

"He failed on Saturday and it was good others did the job around him.”

On his new role as captain, Arora added: “I’m an Unsworth lad, so it’s been really enjoyable. But it has been challenging.

“We’ve lost a few players in recent years, but this year we’re getting some younger lads coming through, the likes of Andy McGuiness, who is a fast bowler and is showing promise.

“It’s great to see the club lads pushing the team on, which makes it more enjoyable.”

Unsworth travel to Thornham a week on Saturday in a key fixture. This Saturday they host promotion-chasing Saddleworth.

Off the field, Unsworth host a car boot on Sunday, an important day as they aim to boost the coffers.