STRIKER Ian Simpson, elbowed out of Tuesday night's match against Bishop Auckland, has only a 50-50 chance of being fit for tomorrow's big FA Cup match with UniBond Premier Division side Altrincham.

Manger Peter Smith said: "I hope he will feel up for it, although he took an elbow just at the point where he heads the ball.

"But if he doesn't feel right David Foster will fill his boots and the whole side is brimming with confidence after Tuesday's win over Bishop Auckland.

"Altricham will put out a good side, but they have not been doing particularly well in the league and we think we can get a result.

"I have told the lads that we have to play with confidence and take the match to them.

" It was good to see the team back on song on Tuesday after the dismal display at Bamber Bridge on Saturday.

"The best thing I can say about that game was that Altrincham's manager was watching and will have gone away thinking we are a pushover.

"But that's not the case and in most other matches this season we have been scoring goals from all angles.

"Richard Close, Phil Hodgson and Lee Pennington have been rock solid at the back and when we have lost, it has only been by one goal."

Smith said that influential midfielder Stuart Cliff is now approaching match fitness after a month out through a leg injury.

He was expected to have a run out last night (Thursday) in Kendal Town Reserves Westmorland League match against Kirkoswald.