Upbeat Penrith manager Jim Nichols is remaining positive ahead of tomorrow's FA Vase tie.

The Bonny Blues played twice last week, losing 2-0 at Marske United and Whitley Bay and are third bottom in the Northern League, Division One table.

But Nichols said: "To be honest, in the last two games, I think we have played alright.

"I don't think we deserve the results that we are getting. In the second half at Marske, we battered them.

"Then, on Tuesday, we were 2-0 down in seven minutes. The problem was we couldn't get a goal after that. We had chance after chance. But we will keep pushing on."

In their first 10 league matches, Penrith have played away six times, including midweek trips to Whitley Bay and Sunderland RCA.

Nichols said: "I have just been saying to the lads this week, we have had a stinking run of away games.

"It's been tough to get the team out that we want. The problem with having so many away games so early is you have to take so much time off."

Tomorrow afternoon's opponents (3pm kick-off) Tow Law Town are top of Northern League, Division Two, and Penrith's boss is expecting a difficult encounter.

Nichols said: "We know what we will be coming up against. We know it will be a tough one.

"I don't think confidence is particularly an issue. But we know what we need a goal-scorer."

Martyn Coleman had began the season as the Bonny Blues' main attacking threat, although he was announced as a Shildon player on Wednesday, linking-up with their management team of Daniel Moore and Mark Boyd, two other former Celtic Nation players.

"We kind of put all our eggs in Martyn's basket," Nichols admitted.

"He decided to stay in the summer but I think he had his head turned by some of the offers. Hopefully, both clubs can move on now.

"Hopefully, we have a little bit of leeway in our budget, as well now."

Nichols will look to boost his attacking options next week, although are unlikely to do so ahead of this FA Vase tie.

Penrith, who reached the third round last term, will earn £725 in prize-money if they win today's match.