DAISY Hill manager Craig Thomas has launched a desperate search for new talent ahead of the latest round of fixtures in the North West Counties League First Division.

The New Sirs boss was forced into fielding a crop of youngsters in last weekend’s match at home to Darwen after four loan players were recalled at short notice by parent club New Mills.

Opponents Darwen took full advantage, beating fourth-placed Daisy 5-0 on home turf.

“The young lads gave it their best shot but it was a big step-up for some of them who haven’t seen much action,” he said. “Darwen played superbly and deserved to beat us.

“January has now become a second pre-season for us. We have to re-build and are looking for new players so that we can consolidate our excellent league position.”

Daisy Hill are undoubtedly this season’s surprise package. After finishing 18th in the last campaign, they have enjoyed a dramatic turnaround and will be eager to consolidate their excellent league position with a return to form tomorrow when they entertain Irlam.

It may be too late to bolster their ranks before that match, but Thomas has extended an open invite to any prospective players to attend training sessions – held at Bolton Arena every Tuesday between 8pm and 9pm - with a new goalkeeper at the top of his wanted list.

Victory at Widnes tomorrow could send Atherton Collieries top if they better the result of leaders Camel Laird against Oldham Boro.

The title chase is intensifying in the second half of the campaign, but with second-placed Colls still having three games in hand of their Wirral rivals they are in the box seat.

And club secretary Emil Anderson is confident they can maintain the pressure this weekend.

“We go into Saturday at almost full-strength,” he said.

“Only centre-back Gareth Carson will be missing and our passing football should be well-suited to the artificial pitch at Widnes.”

Collieries striker Mark Battersby is the division’s top scorer with 34 goals in 27 appearances and he will be hoping to fill his boots against a defence that has conceded 47 goals.

Fifth-placed Atherton LR are hosting fellow promotion chasers Barnton. The league newcomers, who occupy the third and final promotion place, make their first visit to Crilly Park on the back of four wins from their last seven matches.

New striker Shaun Tuck is in good form for LR, while midfielder Ryan Porter enjoyed a strong debut in last weekend’s home victory over Litherland.

Former Bolton Wanderers youth player Matty Davies is also hoping to continue his recent good run.