DAISY Hill manager Craig Thomas hopes the carrot of first-team football will help attract more talent to the club as he continues to re-build the side.

Thomas has continued his policy of signing players on dual registration, despite New Mills recently recalling four loanees unexpectedly.

That forced the Daisy boss to field a crop of youngsters and they lost three games on the bounce before stopping the rot last weekend with a 2-1 victory at home to Rochdale Town, which moved them up to fourth in the North West Counties First Division.

Padiham striker Craig Haynes was the star performer, scoring both goals on his debut after signing on loan.

Thomas has also secured the services of New Mills defender Nick Swirad, although he will not be available for tomorrow's tough trip to second-placed Cammell Laird 1907.

"We cannot afford to go after a fifty pound per game striker," admitted Thomas. "What we can offer though is match fitness and a play-off push.

"Nick is back from America and although he has one more game of a ban to serve, we have him for at least a few more games.

"As for Craig Haynes, he has been a great acquisition as proven by his two goals at the weekend."

Cammell Laird have an 18-point cushion over Daisy, meaning even a victory for Thomas's side on the Wirral would have little effect on their chances of finishing in the top two places and gaining automatic promotion.

But three points would strengthen their position in the top six – play-off places – and their chances will be bolstered tomorrow with the return of Andrew Buckley from suspension.

Atherton LR, who are in seventh spot, stand to benefit if Daisy drop points as they bid to force their way into the promotion race.

Ross McNair's side are just a point outside the top six, but have played more games than most of their rivals and will not be back in action until Friday, February 13, when they take on Daisy.

Atherton Collieries look destined for automatic promotion and remain favourites for the title as they aim for their sixth win on the trot at home to 15th-placed Chadderton on Saturday.

The league leaders have a 17-point cushion over third-placed Barnton and are two points better off than Cammell Laird with two games in hand.

But club secretary Emile Anderson is warning against complacency.

"Yes, we beat Chadderton 3-0 at their place in September but they have improved a lot since then," he said.

"They've just been knocked out of the FA Vase, but making it to the fourth round as they did – that's impressive."