RADCLIFFE Borough director of football, Peter Coyne, has challenged his side to haul themselves off the bottom of the UniBond Division One North table by the end of the month.

Despite being seven games unbeaten, Boro are still four points behind second-bottom Chorley. However, that is more of an indictment of the club's poor start to the season - and not their recent form.

The Stainton Park outfit host another struggling side, Woodley Sports, on Saturday and Coyne wants his side to continue their rich vein of form.

"We want to be off the bottom by the end of January," said Coyne. "Some people are saying that we will be relegated if we get beaten on Saturday.

"That won't happen because there is a long way to go in the season, but we need to try and ensure we do avoid defeat. Too many teams came to our place at the start of the season and nicked points off us when they shouldn't have - teams like Bridlington and Mossley.

"What we have got going for us now is a fantastic run of results behind us, and a squad that is starting to look quite strong."

Mike Flynn, Mark Jones and Gary Sampson should all return to the fold for the Woodley game, while Lee Connell and Andy Scott are close to returning to full fitness.

It all bodes well for a crucial run of league and cup games, but Coyne is wary of other clubs pinching his star names.

"We have got a strong squad now, but I am constantly fending off bids from other clubs," said Coyne.

"You can't blame them really. We have brought in some good players. I am happy with the strength of the squad now.

"I would like to extend Mark Jones' loan, and I still think we could do with another goalscoring striker but I am happy with the way everyone is playing."

Boro, who reached the quarter-finals of the President's Cup earlier in the week, host Abbey Hey in the Manchester Cup second round on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.45pm.

Admission for Radcliffe's home league clash with FC United a week on Saturday will be pay on the day, priced at £7 for adults, £4 for kids and £1 for concessions.