IT is a big weekend for Askam's play-off chances as they host another of the promotion hopefuls, Crosfields, in National Conference League Division Two tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Barrow Island and Millom are both aiming to take a step closer to promotion from Division Three when they host Waterhead and Dewsbury Celtic respectively.

And Ulverston are at Rochdale Mayfield, taking part in the North West Men's League Nines competition.

ASKAM V CROSFIELDS

(Fallowfield Park, 2.30pm)

The heat is on for Askam in their quest to reach the play-offs in Division Two of the NCL, with a top two place now out of reach.

Tomorrow, they take on fellow promotion hopefuls Crosfields after getting back on track with a 50-12 win over Hunslet Warriors last week.

Coach Dave Clark is aware of the task ahead with six games remaining.

“We need to win tomorrow it is vital as we push for the play-offs,” said Clark. “It was important that we got that win last week.

“With four home games to come and just two away it is in our own hands to reach our target.

“We performed rather well against Hunslet without several key players, we had two new wingers in Brad Jackson and Dan Rhodes, and both played well. It looks like third place is now our best option with a tough game with Crosfields facing us”

Clark will delay naming his final 17, with Jackson, Sam Broadley, Kris Tyson, Brad Kavanagh, Stu High and Jamie Butler all unavailable.

Crosfields lost 22-20 at home after conceding a last-minute penalty against West Bowling last weekend.

MILLOM V DEWSBURY CELTIC

(Devonshire Road, 2.30pm)

Charlie Emslie and Connor Tyler are back in contention following international duty as the Woolybacks push for third, if not second place, in Division Three of the Conference.

However, missing out from last week's side that lost 28-14 at Woolston is Tom Sibley, while rated 50-50 are Dane Kelly, Niall Harris, Jonathan Hodgson and Luke Brady.

“We have to keep plugging away we have several players carrying injury but they have a good chance of pulling through,” said player-coach Sibley.

“It was a setback last week losing at Woolston, but we must bounce back.”

BARROW ISLAND V WATERHEAD

(Rating Lane, 2.30pm)

Coach Joe Elliott was delighted with Island's big win over previous unbeaten Beverley last week and is looking for a repeat performance against Waterhead.

“Our attack and defence was brilliant and it was nice to be the first team to beat them,” said Elliott. “Those lads that were on show played out of their skins justifying their places in the side.

“We have to stay ahead of Millom for second place but they have a game in hand so we have to keep winning.”

Half-backs Brandon Corrie and Jake Carter are unavailable, but Blain Marwood returns and could be partnered with Alex Mason. Also unavailable is Carl McBain.

* ULVERSTON are on the look out for a new coach, with club stalwart Phil Atkinson taking a step back at the end of this season.

Atkinson has taken up a new job which prevents him giving 100 per cent to the club, but will still be on hand for advice.