Manager Chris Reape is hoping for better luck regarding injuries but still expects it to be a long haul to the end of the season for the Cobbydalers.

He admits the exceptionally bad winter and the resulting enforced lay-off has taken its toll on the campaign.

He said: “To be fair, when I first took over we went on a great run and then lost several players and couldn’t get others settled because of the timing of it all.”

“We had a six week lay-off and, to be honest, we haven’t come back from it.

“It has been one of those you just put down to experience and hope it doesn’t happen again. The lads are doing what they can at the moment.”

His side entertain St Helens Town at Cougar Park tomorrow and Reape said: “I will have at least six players who are 20 or younger and this is a tough division for that amount of inexperienced lads. We are just relying on local, young lads and it has been difficult.

“The pleasing thing is that they have worked really hard and have played some very good football.

“I still feel we need another couple of wins to make sure we are safe but that is just me being pessimistic.

“It would certainly be nice to bank some more points, just for belt-and-braces security.”