Ramsbottom United 1, Alsager Town 1
REG Clowes has pulled off a major transfer coup as Alsager Town head into their biggest game of the season, on Saturday.
He has snapped up St Helens Town skipper Carl Robinson and will put him straight into the team for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with leaders Skelmersdale.
The signature of attacking midfielder Robinson, 25, a former professional with Swindon Town and Rushden & Diamonds, demonstrates the respect the Bullets have earned this season.
Now Clowes has called for his men to end a mini-blip and get back on track for
promotion from Division One, after they only managed a draw at Ramsbottom Town.
He said: 'Signing Carl is a very big deal for us. He could have joined anyone in this league, but he said he is sure we are going up this season.
'He can play in midfield or up front, and has the physical presence, experience and leadership qualities we have been looking for.'
Alsager were short of a few influential players at Ramsbottom on Saturday, but looked set for all three points thanks to Richard Mitchell's 23rd of the season.
But Alsager were dealt a blow when
the influential Steve Elks was carried off with a hamstring injury, before Lee Cryer's 75th minute leveller earned Ramsbottom's 17th draw of the campaign.
A plus-point was the impressive debut of on-loan Witton Albion full-back Adam Parkinson. Now Town are looking to avenge the 6-1 drubbing they suffered at Skelmersdale in September.
Clowes added: 'It is a big game for us and you never know what will happen. We are a bit stretched at the back with Elks and Carl Espley all missing.
'We have gone two games without winning now. We expected a blip but we must make sure it's a short one. There is still a long way to go.'
