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Rammy boss lays down the gauntlet     By Marc Higginson

RAMSBOTTOM United manager Neil Hart has challenged his players to end the season on a high - and secure their Riverside futures into the bargain.

The Rams have seven league games left, and Hart is refusing to let the season peter out.

"We have set the players a points target to hit before the end of the season and there is a little reward there if they do that," said Hart.

"We want to finish well and, although our focus is on the games between now and the end of the season, we also have to think about next season's squad.

"We need to get a squad together that can do well next season and that means everyone has plenty to play for."

Hart has been busy trying to add to his squad this week in the wake of the departure of striker Anthony Johnson to Clitheroe.

And, while Hart reckons he is 90 per cent sure of landing a midfielder by the weekend, he admits a new striker is imperative.

"We have got one or two irons in the fire," said Hart. "We have put seven days notice on a couple of strikers and we just have to see what happens next.

"Anthony is somebody who needs replacing, and we will make sure we bring in quality in his place."

Hart admits he will be happy to see his team in action at home to Atherton LR on Saturday after their clash at Colne was called off on Saturday.

"It was frustrating not to get a game because everyone else in the NW Counties played," said Hart.

"We will have a couple of sessions this week though to make sure we are ready for Atherton LR.

"They have a new manager (Stuart Humphreys), so that means they will be playing with a bit of the fear factor and they are also fighting for their lives.

"I know Stuart has brought in about seven players already and one or two of them are of a very good quality.

"It will be a tough game, but we will be ready."

The home side will welcome back Haydn Eames into the fold after the former Radcliffe Borough midfielder's recent absence with a thigh injury.

Hart added: "It will be good to have Haydn back in because we do miss him when he doesn't play."