THE derby clash between Millom and Askam takes centre stage this weekend, with the two local rivals going head-to-head at Devonshire Road tonight.

Both sides are aiming to bounce back after recent losses in National Conference League Division Two, which should add more spice to what is already set to be a fiercely-contested clash for the area's bragging rights.

Tomorrow sees Barrow Island head to struggling Dewsbury Celtic in Division Three, while Walney Central are in Cumbria League action away to Ellenborough.

MILLOM V ASKAM

(Devonshire Road, 7pm)

Both team go into this encounter on the back of defeats – Millom 44-26 at St Judes and the Villagers a 12-4 home loss at the hands of East Leeds.

Defences hold the key in this NCL Division Two derby, with the Woolybacks – apart from bottom club Salford City Roosters – having the poorest points against in the division of -128, while Askam have had one or two hefty defeats.

Team selection for both, as is the norm these days with injuries and work commitments, presents problems for both and Millom have been by the loss of key player Lee Edmondson, who is ruled out with a pulled calf just a couple of games into his comeback after missing all of last season.

Player Coach Tom Sibley will also sit this one out as he has a bicep injury, but back in contention are Connor Sykes,Dominic O'Brien and possibly Gareth Healsey, while several others are trying to shake off niggling injuries.

“Both teams need to pick up points, but at home I am looking for a win,” said Sibley, who expects a hard-fought contest.

“The lads are ready for it, but we have to go into the game with the right attitude and self-belief. We were 20-12 up at St Judes, but four late tries killed us off. We just need to get our confidence back.”

His Askam counterpart Mike Wilson will send a patched up team, saying: “We have a long list of injuries ruling players out while others face late fitness tests, but that apart we will field a decent side as we have a squad deep in strength.

“We have lost three on the trot so it's time to get back on the winning road. We have not been at our best this season so we have to start taking our good training sessions into the games.

“I have every confidence in the lads – we just need that win to get back on track. We had a good chat amongst the squad this week so we look to turn the corner.”

Dan Sayle, Joe Dowsett and Gary Bolton are ruled out with Russ Bolton, Kris Tyson Mark Tyson and Darren Gaskell all rated 50-50.

Askam lie fifth off the bottom with three wins from eight, while the host team have three wins from nine. However, victory for the Woolybacks will enabled them to leap frog above their neighbours.

DEWSBURY CELTIC V BARROW ISLAND

Island who have hit a bad run of late travel to Dewsbury in NCL Division Three and are expected return with the points on offer, with Celtic joint-bottom with Elland after just one win and a draw from nine outings.

Work rules out Matt Parkinson and Matty Sayle , while injuries prevent Jack Sutherland and Jonathan Walsh taking to the field. Sam Attard returns though, with others to be named after training.

“We are not playing too well at the moment and it is a case of trying to find the right combinations with so many obstacles in our face,” said coach Joe Elliott, adding: “Many of the lads are still finding their feet playing at a higher level.”

ELLENBOROUGH V WALNEY CENTRAL

Despite winning 44-0 at home, Cents Coach Jan Elliott is not getting carried away as he takes his team to the west of the county. They face an Ellenborough side which has claimed the scalps of leaders Hensingham and last season's Cumbria League champions Distington.

“It is going to be a difficult game,” said Elliott. “They are having a good run.

“I am not taking anything from that 44-0 win as you don't know from one week to the next what kind of opposition you are up against. As we know ourselves, teams can change dramatically week to week.”

Brad Nicholls and Jamie Morrow are both ruled out, while Nicholls' younger brother George – who stepped up last week – is also unavailable. Ben Caddell comes in for his first game this season, while James Finch,and Matty Elliott are also back.