WINSFORD United boss Dave Twite has challenged hisplayersto wineachoneof the eight remaining games.

'We may have to - it is that simple. If we are to claim any of the extra promotion positions that may be offered, we may need to win the lot - and it is not impossible,' he said.

But it is improbable, even if the Blues have been invigorated by successive away wins.

Now they must maintain that momentum when Holker Old Boys visit the Barton Stadium on Saturday.

And they need to keep up the pressure against Great Harwood away on Saturday week, Eccle-shall at home (March 31) and an April diary of Colne away, Cheadle Town home and Holker, Leek CSOB and Daisy Hill all away.

It is a run-in that concludes United's home campaign extremely early, on April 7, in just 21 days' time.

By then, Blues will have a clear idea of their chances of a return to Division One. The first three places appear to be already occupied - by Formby, Maine Road and Colne - but it is still uncertain how many will go up under nonleague's restructuring.

Twite added: 'We have had two good wins because the effort and the commitment is back - and long may it continue.

'We have eight matches and still a chance of promotion.

'It does look as if the first two or three places have gone, but we have to aim high. Winning every match is the target.

'We have been well disciplined and the defence has been sound. They were crucial wins, because now we will go into every game believing we can get something out of it.

'The players are aware of the situation.'

A 100% finish - and seven of the eight games are against teams below them in the table - would give United 69 points. It may just about be enough. Twite has signed former Liverpool youngster Matthew Gallagher, an attacking midfielder. He made his debut at Nelson and is likely to keep his place against Holker. Mike Whitehurst is unavailable but Dave Turner returns after work commitments.

Steve Moss, a player at Middlewich under Twite, answered an emergency for Blues in midweek. He stood in at Castleton, created every one of United's five goals and then returned to his club, Knutsford.

'It was purely a one-off. And, yes, I thanked him!' said Twite. Sportswear company Nike will have a presence at United's game against Holker.

Some of the players have been asked to test Nike football boots during the game, as part of a deal set up via contacts of United player Gary Boldsworth. Nike will supply the club with 80 footballs.