ASKAM can take a step closer to promotion from National Conference Division Two when they host Leigh East tomorrow.

The play-off semi-final pits second against fifth at Fallowfield Park and victory for Askam would see them host either Blackbrook or Thornhill Trojans in the final.

Elsewhere, there is a derby clash between Barrow Island and Walney Central in the Cumbria League play-offs, while Dalton continue their winter campaign with their first home Pennine League match of the season against Cutsyke Rangers.

ASKAM v LEIGH EAST

(Fallowfield Park, 2.30pm)

ASKAM are two games away from promotion to the National Conference Division One, but they have to see off the challenge of Leigh East to book another home fixture in the play-off final.

When the two teams met in Leigh recently, the Villagers romped to a 40-16 victory in what was one of their best performances of the season.

However, it will be a different game tomorrow as the East strive to end the home side's hopes of going up a level.

While Askam were securing second place in the table with a 32-18 home win over Saddleworth last weekend, East ran up a half-century of points with a 50-22 victory at Salford City Roosters.

Askam coach Mike Wilson is expecting a tougher encounter this time around, saying: “That win at Leigh was one of our best wins, but it will be different this time.

“They finished fifth and are always a difficult team to beat, they are the second-best points scorers in the division, so we will have to be on our guard for the full 80 minutes.

“They have the second-best attacking record while we have the second-best defensive record so it will be an interesting game.

“I thought last week we were not at our best against Saddleworth, but stuck in against a big side and came good in the final quarter.”

Wilson has Adam Jackson and Rob Cockayne, who pulled up in pre-match warm-up last week, back in contention, while Dan Sayle and Stu High are ruled out.

BARROW ISLAND v WALNEY CENTRAL

(Rating Lane, 2.30pm)

ISLAND and the Cents go into battle in the Cumbria League play-offs, with the winners facing a trip to the west of the county and a clash with either champions Distington or Ellenborough.

Island should be at near-full-strength, apart from Andy Cairns and Joe Spencely being unavailable.

Mike Whitehead, Jamie Ralph and Mike Elliott are unavailable for Walney, Jamie Morrow – out for several games through injury and work – and Liam Finch return.

Walney coach Shaun Morrow said: “We have a few back and had a good training session on Wednesday and are looking forward to the game.”

DALTON v CUTSYKE RANGERS

(Kelland Park, 2.30pm)

DALTON face undefeated Cutsyke in their first home game of the winter season in Pennine League Division One.

Cutsyke were 42-36 winners last week at Wyke, who the previous week defeated Dalton in their opening game of the campaign.

The Kelland Park side go into battle without half-backs Ryan Johnson and Ben Smith, along with Jonathan Walsh.

Veteran Craig Regan has taken over the hot seat and the player/coach will step into the half-back role along with Jack Flynn, while in contention are Jack Knowles and Jordan Woodend.

“It is our first home game and the lads are keen to get on the field,” said Regan. “We are a very young side and spirit in the camp is very good.

“We lost 25-6 at Wyke who were a much bigger side we fought hard, but we lacked size up front. Training is going well and we have had good numbers so we are well prepared.”

FOLLY LANE v HINDPOOL

HINDPOOL go into their final game of the regular season vying for a top-four place in North West Men's Division One along with their hosts.

A win for either team will see them go into the play-offs, with the losing side missing out.

Hindpool lost by two points in the Brisbane Park clash, leaking two late tries, but will have a strong 17 on the park tomorrow.

Back in the fold are Jamie Lynn, Scott McGuikan, Josh Archer, Rob Bower, Dan Tucker and Josh Crawford. Missing out are Daryll Archer, Adam Martin, Brad Rowan and Connor McDermott.

THATTO HEATH v MILLOM

JONATHAN Hodgson and Chris Warren are doubtful, along with Steve Dawson, for Millom's trip to St Helens to face National Conference League Division One leaders Heath.

Paul Carter,Warwick Carter and Gary Heasley return.

Also out are coach Tom Sibley and Ian Armstrong as the Woolybacks round off their away programme.

Sibley said: “It will be tough, but we can take some spirit from the game against a strong Myton side last week (which they lost 28-16).

“It was at a crucial stage of the game when we nearly scored, but they went on to notch two late tries that killed us off.”