THERE’S nothing like contentment in football - and everyone at Askam United is happy with their collective lot.

And why wouldn’t they be? After a lowly position in West Lancashire League Division One last season, the side is sitting pretty in seventh place, with 28 points from 21 games.

Yet despite a considerable turnaround in fortunes, nobody at the HBP Ground is resting on their laurels.

For instead of settling for a mid-table place, manager Toby O’Reilly is targeting a top half finish come the end of the season, not to mention the fact that Askam have two cup semi-finals to look forward to.

They will take on local rivals Millom in the last four of the Furness Senior Cup, while Ulverston Rangers await them in the semi-finals of the West Lancs Presidents Cup.

But for the time being, all attention is pointed to the bread and butter of Division One, and Ulverston will be the visitors to the HBP Ground for a league encounter tomorrow (Saturday).

Like all games across the North West, hopes are high that the fixture will survive the weather.

“I hope we get a game,” said O’Reilly. “We had a good 1-1 draw against Horwich St Mary’s Victoria in our last outing, and we are enjoying our football.

“That sort of result, against a side above us in the table, is a reflection of our season so far. It has gone relatively well, and we are performing above expectations.

“The crucial thing is that the lads are enjoying their football, and we are looking forward to games.”

Asked to put his finger on the difference between last season and the current campaign, O’Reilly said it was a combination of various factors.

“We brought a couple of new players in,” he said. “But it’s mostly the same group of players. The attitude collectively has been fantastic, with everyone working very hard in training and in games, and the team spirit is very good.

“The quality of our play has improved dramatically, but we have to keep that going.”

O’Reilly said he should have most of his squad available for selection tomorrow.

He added: “We have lads who work shifts, and that’s the same with all teams at this level. It makes it difficult to be consistent with team selection.

“But everyone is keen to work hard and do their bit for the club. All the lads who play give it their best shot.”

Askam’s reserve side are also going well in the Furness Junior Cup and Horne Cup, in what has been an impressive season so far for the club.