ATHERTON Collieries manager Michael Clegg has insisted his team will not let up in their pursuit of silverware after this week securing promotion and moving top of the North West Counties First Division.

The Colls' 3-0 win against Atherton LR on Monday rubber-stamped their place in the Premier Division next season, while they took top spot from Cammell Laird after a 3-1 win at home to Holker Old Boys on Wednesday.

Tomorrow's reverse fixture against Holker Old Boys kicks off a run of nine games in 18 days, with the Colls facing seven more league matches and two cup finals to finish off their campaign.

“If we lose any of our remaining games it will be because a team is better than us, not because we have squad or fitness concerns – I don’t buy into that," said Clegg, whose side are aiming to become the first side in NWCL history to go through a league season with only one defeat.

“There will be no letting up from our end.

"When you are playing for three trophies everyone makes themselves available.”

Striker Mark Battersby has already set a league scoring record, taking his goal tally to 57 for the season with a second-minute strike against Holker on Wednesday.

LR manager Ross McNair accepts a place in the top-six – and the play-offs – is beyond his team following a run of five defeats in their last six games.

They entertain Ashton Town tomorrow, but McNair admits he is now focused on a strong showing in the Hospital Cup.

“The Hospital Cup is a great competition, we love it here," he said.

"We’ve signed a few players through it too – some lads from other leagues really step up in these ties.”

LR face Breightmet in the quarter-finals next Wednesday.

Daisy Hill are ninth in the table after drawing 2-2 with Ashton in midweek. Their next match is at home to Holker Old Boys on Monday.