SHAUN Reid is confident his Warrington Town side remain in with a shot at winning promotion this season.

The Yellows host Harrogate Railway Athletic at Cantilever Park this weekend, a side they beat 2-1 away from home in October, who have their own eyes on an Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North play-off spot.

Town, who sit 15th in the table, have seven games in hand on Saturday’s opponents but Reid knows there is little margin for error during the remainder of their season if they are to make the top five.

He will, however, take inspiration from Ramsbottom United’s promotion-winning campaign last year.

“They were third bottom this time last year and ended up reaching the play-offs and being promoted, so it’s by no means out of our reach,” he said.

“We’re in a position where if we can go on a run, we can challenge because the top sides keep dropping points. It’s all about getting in the play-offs and getting promotion. There’s no grey area.”

A draw with high-flying Northwich Victoria on New Year’s Day and Saturday’s win over Burscough have provided Town with a positive start to 2015.

Reid hopes to continue that form against Harrogate. “They are a decent side and have one of the best away records in the league, so it’s not going to be easy,” he added.

“We beat them earlier on, but a lot changes at this level and when we play them again they could be a completely different team.

“We will be back to basics and hard to beat. Hopefully we can get on a run now we’re back to ourselves after the FA Cup and that attention, which I think got to them.”

The Town boss will have taken confidence in Ben Wharton’s goal-scoring display on Saturday, especially as forward Lee Gaskell continues to battle a hamstring injury.

“Ben’s been struggling this season to get a goal, almost trying too hard,” he explained. “The break when he’s been injured has settled him down.

“We know he’s got that in his locker and his performances have never been in question. He’s been trying to get goals and they’ve not been coming, but he knows I’ve got a lot of confidence in him.”

The Yellows are also in Doodson Sport Cup action on Tuesday when they visit Rushall Olympic in the last 16, although new midfielder Gerard Kinsella will have to wait for his debut.

“The lads who have come in and done ever so well so far will be involved and there may be a couple of additions to the squad,” said Reid.

“Kinsella won’t be in until the end of January, but there’s no questioning his pedigree. It will be like signing a top class player and it’s important for the football club.”