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.
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