GOLBORNE admit they are a long way off being title contenders, but they are slowly moving in the right direction.

The Lowton side have won three games and lost seven going into tomorrow's home game against Lostock.

And while those numbers might not impress too many people, they are a sure sign of gradual progress.

Captain Tom Pantak admits his side are not kidding themselves they are a top-six side, but says the bigger picture paints an encouraging story.

"Three seasons ago we didn't win a game," he said. "Two seasons ago we won one game and then last season we won six.

"A lot of that was down to James Carr being captain. He made a big difference and brought the changing room together really well.

"So three wins this year isn't so bad."

Pantak, who at only 20 is believed to be the youngest captain in the club's history, said fine margins prevented that winning number from being bigger and his club being higher than their current fourth-bottom position.

"We had three players travelling from Burnley at the start of the season, but they left which has made it even more difficult.

"They couldn't commit to playing every week so it was best for both parties.

"We started with a good performance against Atherton when we lost by one wicket then lost to Standish.

"Then we picked up and won two close games against Adlington and Westleigh then lost to Flixton.

"Then we had Daisy Hill when we lost after getting ourselves in a good position.

"Things went bad from there and the two halves of the season so far have been like two completely different seasons."

Although Golborne were well beaten by Edgworth last weekend, Pantak saw enough in the previous game against Darcy Lever to provide further encouragement.

"We won and the good thing is we had nine ex-juniors, one who is still a junior and our overseas Johann Brohier in the side.

"It was great to see nearly a full side of players who have come up through our juniors and win the game."

Pantak says the 2nd XI are also giving cause for optimism

"They were third in their league before last weekend and if the second team are doing well it's good for the first team," he said.

"They have a new captain, Ben Lyon, who has done very well.

"If the young lads in the second team are scoring runs they get a chance in the first team, that's my way."

One player who has come up through the ranks and shining this season is Jake Waterworth.

"He's only 20 and was at Lancashire as a junior," said Pantak. "He's always been a batter who can bowl, but now he's been exceptional bowling this season. He's taken something like 19 wickets at an average of 13 including a six-for against Little Hulton and a five-for against Darcy Lever."

If there is one area Pantak wants to see his side improve it is their consistency.

"We know where we are in the league and the budget we have," he said.

"We know we are not going to get in the top six but the best we could do is sneak into the middle six.

"But we need to be more consistent. We're either batting badly or, if we get that right, we're bowling or fielding badly.

"We need to put it all together more often like we did against Darcy Lever. That was a good win."

And he said losing to Edgworth was no disgrace as they are his tip for the title.

"They were the best team we have played in the league," he said.

"I think they will win the league, their bowling line-up is the best we have faced."