STEVE Lloyd has warned Atherton Collieries that his improving team intend to provide test of their title credentials this afternoon.

Barnton travel to Alder Street buoyed by completing a double over AFC Liverpool last time out.

The Villagers can breathe easier too after moving 18 points clear of the North West Counties League Premier Division’s drop zone as a result.

“Colls will provide probably the biggest challenge we’ve had so far,” said Lloyd.

“I’ll stop short of calling a bonus game though, because we need to get something from it.

“The odds are against us, we know that, and the pressure is only inside of their dressing room.

“They’re a terrific side, but we won’t make life easy for them.”

He has included new recruit Jack Woolley, signed from neighbours 1874 Northwich last week, in a 16-man squad.

Youngster George Webster steps up from Barnton’s reserves too.

Colls, currently second in the standings with a game in hand on leaders Bootle, bowed out of the FA Vase last weekend after letting slip at 2-0 lead at Cleethorpes.

However Michael Clegg’s men have won their past nine league matches, a sequence that started back in October.