FURNESS Rovers joint-manager Tony Goulding hopes it will be game on against Millom at the Training Ground tomorrow.

The West Lancs League Division Two side have – like so many other teams in South Cumbria – been left to kick their heels over the past few weeks because of atrocious weather conditions.

But if the pitch is playable, Goulding is expecting a cracker of a derby clash and he is looking for his side to pick up valuable points and propel themselves up the table.

Goulding would rather have points in the bag than games in hand – they have played just eight league games so far this season – and the joint-boss, who shares the role with Rob Denby, said: “I am anticipating a really hard-fought game. I think it will be a good local derby but I am hoping we come out on top in the end.

“The thing is we have just been shy of a few goals of late, we are defending very well but not taking our chances as well as what we should be.”

Goulding is aware of the threat Millom, managed by Brian Dawson, pose, and said: “They have the three brothers back from Holker, the Pattinsons, so they have strengthened the side massively.”

Rovers are hoping to see the return of left-back Kyle Beach, who could be back on the bench after suffering a shoulder injury.

However, they will be without left-sided midfielder Joe Tindale, out with suspension, while midfielder Scott Goulding is unavailable.

Despite their absences, Rovers have lots of other armoury in their camp with central midfielder Liam Shields sure to have a big say in the game, along with Jason Corkan and skipper Steve Crompton.

Midfielder or front man Josh Jones is playing well and Jack Cooksey, who impressed during the club’s friendlies before being hit by injury, should also come into contention.

Rovers were due to play Kendal in a Lancashire Cup North tie, but that schedulded match has been rearranged.

“We need a game,” added Goulding, a sentiment which will be echoed by other managers after the miserable weather caused another virtual washout last weekend.

Just one Furness Premier League game survived – from 15 scheduled matches.

As a result, the FPL have now lost 81 games over the course of the season to date thanks to the weather, with some teams not having played since October and more are expected to be under threat tomorrow.

In the West Lancashire League, only two games were played and, not surprisingly, one was the encounter between Ladybridge and Mill Hill St Peters on the former’s 3G pitch. The reserve game between the same clubs was the only other fixture to go ahead.

Holker Old Boys, who also missed out last week, are due to host Ashton Town in a North West Counties Division One fixture tomorrow.

Last week’s game against Litherland, also at Rakesmoor Lane, was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.