Saunders eyeing consistency to propel Rossendale up table

They drew 0-0 at Milnthorpe Corinthians and, although Saunders - who joint manages with Jonathan Heap - says his side should have won, there are positives after a disappointing start to the campaign.

“We could have easily won yesterday”, said Saunders.

“We missed a couple of good chances but there’s positives, we got a first clean sheet.

Hesketh Bank v Holker Old Boys minuet silence

“We didn’t even have our captain who was suspended, our other centre half who was away, we had one centre half and kept that clean sheet.

“Milnthorpe have brought a new manager in and some new players so they’re not the team they were and I think they’ll start picking up points soon.”

From injuries to suspensions to absences, the opening third of Rossendale’s season has been a frustrating one in terms of player availability, but with upcoming games presenting big opportunities, Saunders is positive.

“We’ve just got a new keeper and he’s been solid and in the next few weeks we’re playing teams in and around us so if we can pick up wins against them, we’ll be able to push on.

“I don’t think we’ve played the same team twice because of injuries and suspensions but now we’ve got some new lads in and the next few games will be huge.”

Saunders played for Rossendale during an incredibly successful period where they achieved two promotions and, potentially under his co-management, they could be looking at further progression.

“The plan is definitely to try and get us into the North West Counties.

“We’ve had them up to assess the club so we know exactly what we need to do, so we were hoping in two or three years’ time that’s where we’ll be at.

“We are looking to invest in the club all the time so we don’t fall behind but it’s a tricky one, with us being a rugby club as well, they get a lot of the money from the clubhouse so we’re trying to think of ways to raise money.

Kendal County v Croston minute silence

“That way, we can start paying players, and maybe get into the Counties.

“We’ve had a youth team set up as well because we want people coming in from a young age and going all the way through the club.

“We’ve got a plan and a good set up in place.”

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Lostock St Gerards moved up to third with a 4-1 win over Astley and Buckshaw and Millom saw off Whitehaven 4-0.

Haslingden St Mary’s remain comfortable in second place after a 1-0 victory at Coppull United.

Division One leaders Hesketh Bank enjoyed another big home win as they defeated Holker Old Boys Reserves 7-0 thanks to six different goal scorers.

Pause United earned an impressive away win as they beat second placed Ulverston Rangers 3-2.

Lytham Town made it five home wins from five after a 2-1 victory over Slyne with Hest, while Crooklands Casuals secured a 3-1 win at Freckleton.

In Division Two, Euxton Villa Reserves produced the biggest win of the day with a stunning 11-0 win over Caton United with Jacob Greenhalgh bagging a hat trick.

Bamber Bridge Reserves enjoyed a 5-1 home win over Charnock Richard Reserves, while Thornton Cleveleys Reserves’ Jordan Beavers scored an 88th minute winner as they edged past Appley Bridge 3-2.

Carnforth Rangers Reserves snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat after a remarkable injury-time comeback against CMB Reserves in Reserve Division One.

Mark Waring calmly slotted home on 11 minutes to give Dave Turner’s CMB an early lead.

They looked the most likely to extend that lead with Joe Ward forcing a fine save from George Pedley in the home goal as CMB dominated possession.

It took until the 65th minute for them to extend the advantage as Lewis Cullen seized on a defensive error to curl a left-footed shot beyond Pedley from 15 yards.

But to their credit the young Carnforth side never gave up and only a combination of fine saves from CMB keeper Will Shepherd and a last-gasp tackle from Fahid Neves kept the scoreline intact.

Sam Henshall did reduce the arrears for Matthew Clapp’s men on 91 minutes and they made it 2-2 on 93 minutes.

Shepherd brilliantly parried Cole Holt’s powerful strike but Elliot Bywater was on hand to slam home the rebound.

Remarkably, Carnforth could have won it in the final seconds but Shepherd denied Dylan Barnes from close range in a frantic finale.

Eagley Reserves came from 3-1 down at half time to beat Chipping Reserves 4-3 away from home, courtesy of a Tom Hopley double and a Rhys Hardie winner after the restart.

Another Tom inspired a different comeback in Reserve Division Two: Lytham Town Reserves saw off Croston Sports Reserves 3-2 after trailing 2-1 at the break; Tom Kelsey’s brace turned the game on its head in the second half.

There are new division leaders in Hurst Green Reserves after their 3-2 win at Astley & Buckshaw Reserves.

Fulwood Amateurs Reserves were engaged in Richardson Cup second round action and progressed in style, with a 9-0 win over Hawcoat Park as Alfie Raymond scored a hat trick.

There were wins for some West Lancs sides in the third round of the Lancashire Amateur Shield: Eagley, Langho, Mill Hill, Poulton and Stoneclough advanced to the quarter final stage.

It was a good day in the cup across Stoneclough, their Reserves side won 2-0 over Milnthorpe Corinthians Reserves in the preliminary round of the Stewart Rowe Memorial Cup.