ALSAGER Town manager Greg Clowes is warning his side they will have to battle hard to beat struggling Oldham Town.

Highflying Alsager travel to their next to bottom opponents tomorrow having slipped one place in the table to fifth.

They were held 1-1 at home by promotion rivals Blackpool Mechanics on Saturday after conceding a late equaliser.

His side should be expected to take all three points at Oldham, he said.

"However we are going to have to work hard for the win because people are raising their game against us," said Clowes.

"We are the team to beat at the moment, and Oldham is a difficultplace to win, especially with the slope."

Despite being held by Blackpool Clowes sees Stone, Squires Gate and Leek CSOB as Alsager's main rivals for promotion.

Alsager keeper Rob Powner received a Safe Hands award for December before Saturday's top of the table clash.

Rob has conceded just two goals in the last seven games, helping Alsager maintain their promotion push.

Alsager were at full strength for the game, and it was Blackpool who pressed in the opening minutes.

They won three corners in the first 10 minutes, and went close on 25 minutes.

Alsager captain Mark Timms hesitated in clearing the ball, and Ashall for Blackpool saw his first time shot hit the bar.

The latter stages of the first half were scrappy, with both teams cancelling each other out.

Blackpool put Alsager under pressure in the second half, although the home side had their chances, Karl Bayley squandering two excellent opportunities early on.

Alsager took the lead on 63 minutes when a header by Wayne Brotherton hit the bar.

The ball fell to Paul Ireland, whose shot was blocked, and Bayley pounced to score from close range.

Alsager pressed for a second, but were stunned by a Blackpool equaliser two minutes from time.

Hoyle made it 1-1 as the Alsager defence failed to clear a long throw in.

Alsager travel to Oldham Town tomorrow.