Denis sees side boost survival bid GREAT Harwood gave their hopes of surviving the drop a great boost with a comfortable win over NWCL Division One promotion chasers Prescot.

Manager Denis Underwood was delighted as his side clinched only their third league win of the season.

"Ever since we were beaten 7-1 by Rossendale, we had a good talk about it and have been playing better. We've drawn two away from home, missed out to a late goal to Kidsgrove in the Cup and now won one. We went out with determination and belief and the win has given the lads a great boost."

Damien McKay had a good chance to open the scoring in the opening stages and 15 minutes into the game Harwood went ahead when Andy Clarkson fed a great ball from the left through to Paul Walker and he took it in his stride and hit the ball with his left foot into the top corner. Prescot never really looked like getting back into it but Harwood made it safe 10 minutes from time.

Underwood made an inspired substitution, bringing on the rested Richard Fogarty and Dave Livesey and these two combined for the second goal.

Substitute Richard Fogarty raced passed the Prescot defence and fired in a cross to the far post which fellow sub Dave Livesey converted.

"We just want to build on this now," said the Harwood boss. "We now have some big games coming up."

"They have got a new manager and a few new players and had a good win over St Helens midweek so that will test us." They follow this with a short trip to Ramsbottom on Tuesday and Prescot again at Accrington on Thursday. Harwood are playing their next three home games at Accrington Stanley because of foot and mouth.