HOLKER boss Scott Redhead will put the disappointment of a midweek cup defeat behind him and hopes to see his side push up the table at Rakesmoor Lane tomorrow – weather permitting.

Seventh-placed Stags host Litherland, who sit one spot below them in the North West Counties League Division One table, with Redhead determined to kick-on, at the expense of the visitors.

Fixtures were obliterated by the weather last weekend and with more rain forecast the chances of witnessing a full programme look doubtful.

But Old Boys did get their Lancashire Challenge Trophy second round tie on at the fifth time of asking on Wednesday, losing 1-0 to North West Premier Division high-fliers Colne at Barrow AFC’s Holker Street ground.

Holker, who reached the semi-finals of the competition last seson, had their chances in a match which was settled in the 69th minute.

Martin Grundy produced a couple of long range efforts and in the last five minutes of the game Ben Rebello, brought into the side from the reserves, saw his 30-yard shot brilliantly saved by the keeper. Full-back Guy Heffernan also missed a tricky effort from close range.

“The lads did really well to be fair and we more than matched them for three-quarters of the game,” said Redhead.

“Looking back they only really had one chance when their lad nipped in around Ross (Liddicott).”

Redhead believed the wet and windy conditions played a massive part in the tie.

“We had a couple of clear chances late on,” he added. “But I can’t fault the effort of the lads and their commitment and workrate.

“I said to them if we take that effort into every game and consistently play like that then there is no doubt we will be in that league (North West Counties Premier Division) next season. I do want us to go up this season.”

He added “I would like to thank Barrow for hosting our game and letting us play on their pitch.”

Redhead believes he has players with the ability at his disposal to succeed and is looking to pick up three points in what will be his fourth game in charge tomorrow.

Left back Billy Moss, winger Chris Wraighte, who joined from West Lancs Premier club Crooklands Casuals, and classy central midfielder Grundy are expected to be in contention.

Liddicott is due to continue in goal as keeper Ollie Bell has a wrist injury which could see him out of action for some time. Mike Rushton is set to return to the squad while Joel Barker is back in training.

Redhead is hoping Holker’s game escapes the weather and he added: “It is just about jumping back on the horse again, we get three points we go back on a run in the league.”

The manager from Millom is enjoying himself at Rakesmoor since taking over from Gary Fawcett who moved to Kendal Town, and continued: “In the three games we have played they are playing the way I would like them to play.

“The effort and commitment is there and I really can’t fault the lads. I do believe we will be up there and hopefully achieve the goal that we set out, to get promoted. I am enjoying it. They have taken on board things, the training and attendance has been really good.

“Our captain Phil Combe has been solid for me so far and often goes under the radar as his performances are consistently eight out of ten.

“Hopefully we can achieve our goal for the season, and that’s not just the first team but all three teams are still in good positions.”