WITH a fully fit squad at his disposal Peter Smith says his players are keen to wipe away the memory of their 5-0 October defeat by Chorley, when they take on the Lancashire side at Parkside tomorrow.

"That result flattered them a bit, but they are a good attacking side and there will be plenty of opportunities for both sides.

"It is a real six-pointer as they are just one point above us in the table. The lads are highly motivated for the game and are enjoying their football, and that is what it is all about," said Smith.

"Although we have been without games we spent a good four-hour session in the fitness centre on Tuesday and had a full training session on Wednesday.

"Kyle Hayton is now free of injury and will be in the running for a place."

Smith said the much-delayed Marsden Lancashire Junior Cup second round derby with Barrow would now be a much truer test when it is staged on Tuesday night.

He said Barrow had been desperate to get it played last week so that a couple of players would become eligible for the FA Trophy.

If the match with Kendal had been played it was likely that Barrow would have fielded a side laced heavily with reserves.

On Wednesday Northwich Victoria knocked the Furness side out of the Trophy and as a result Barrow were now likely to field their strongest side for the Junior Cup match.

"It will be a good test to see how we measure up against a UniBond Premier Division side," said Smith.

January 17, 2003 12:00