AS they head to Daisy Hill tomorrow seeking their fourth successive win, there’s no doubt things are looking up for Holker Old Boys.

And it may be no coincidence that their resurgence in form has come at a time when while many of their North West Counties League rivals have been sidelined by postponements, the pristine playing surface at Rakesmoor Lane has given Holker an almost unbroken run of action.

Club chairman Maurice Watkin offered high praise for groundsman Alan Wilson, whose tireless efforts through weeks of tough winter weather have enabled the Old Boys to forge on and lay the foundations for a genuine Division One North promotion push.

“The ground is in excellent condition and has been even in the worst of the weather,” said Mr Watkin.

“Alan has worked so hard and with help from Barrow AFC groundsman Gareth Morgan has kept the surface so good I don’t think we’ve had a single postponement.”

With such a top notch surface to show their skills on, there’s been no excuse for Holker not to strike some form, and they have certainly responded.

Last Saturday’s 2-0 triumph over fancied Bacup Borough, which came courtesy of goals from Chris Wraighte and Gareth Smith, has lifted Holker to within nine points of the play off spots.

Victory at Daisy Hill, who currently lie fifth, would be another giant stride in that play-off quest.

But Mr Watkin said the side, who are managed by his son Kevin, would be taking nothing for granted despite the fact that the Old Boys thrashed them 8-0 in the return league fixture at Rakesmoor Lane just three weeks ago.

“That was a great win but Daisy Hill are a good side who are having a really good season,” he said.

“Like us, they have a decent squad and have brought some good young players through.”

Mr Watkin said the emphasis on youth which sees the club currently operating three junior sides is paying rich dividends, with the likes of Max Dixon and Will Stanway heading a wave of emerging talent from the under 16 side.

He added that the buoyant atmosphere at the club at the moment was further evidenced by the excellent turnouts at recent training sessions, with regular attendances being around the 32/33 mark even through the depths of winter.

That’s no bad thing as the business end of the season looms, and with a tasty looking home clash against table toppers Lower Breck to follow a week on Saturday, these are exciting times at Rakesmoor Lane.