A QUIET dressing room after the final whistle last weekend is evidence of Barnton’s progress, according to manager Steve Lloyd.

Mark Truffas’ first-half goal separated North West Counties League Premier Division title-hopefuls Atherton Collieries from the Villagers, but their manager was not downbeat afterwards.

“The lads were subdued even though they lost to a side that has so much quality,” he said.

“They knew they’d worked tirelessly against top-drawer opponents, and we made life difficult for them.”

He told the Guardian he hoped to see the same approach during tomorrow’s game at Hanley, kick off 3pm.

The Villagers will be motivated too by the memory of a crushing 6-0 defeat at home to the same opponents in the return game back in September.

They have improved significantly since and start Saturday’s contest sat 17th in the table, seven points short of a target of 40 set by Lloyd earlier this month.

He can call upon Danny Meadowcroft and Jordan Stafford after they both missed the visit to Alder Street, while youngster George Webster keeps his place in the squad.

Lee Vaughan, who hasn’t featured since a 5-1 thrashing at Ashton Athletic last month, has been released.

He made 34 appearances this season, scoring six goals.

Hanley have won only one of their past half-dozen league games, although that was an impressive 5-2 success at Runcorn Linnets.

They needed a last-minute leveller from Jonny Higham to earn a draw at West Didsbury & Chorlton last weekend.