TOM Goffatt faces a race against time to be fit for Askam as they prepare to host Blackbrook in the National Conference Division Two play-off final.

Coach Mike Wilson hopes forward Goffatt will be able to recover from his knee injury to feature as the Villagers aim to secure a place in Division One for the first time since rejoining the NCL in 2011.

It is a big day for Barrow Island too as they take on all-conquering Distington in the Cumbria League Top Four Play-off final at the Recreation Ground, Whitehaven.

Elsewhere, Millom round off their campaign at home to Featherstone Lions and Dalton continue their winter Pennine League season with the visit of Whinmoor Warriors.

ASKAM v BLACKBROOK

(Fallowfield Park, 2.30pm)

ASKAM are 80 minutes away from a return to NCL Division One after a lapse of several years.

They take on Blackbrook in their quest, but they face a tough task in the light of a hefty defeat at the St Helens side recently.

Goffatt is in a race against the clock in his bid to take his position in the starting line-up with a knee injury.

“We will give Tom up to the last minute to prove his fitness it will be a boost if he makes it,” said Wilson. “We will give him as long as possible and hopefully he will pull through.

“Tom Hopkins is also a doubt. He recently broke his hand and this week had the cast removed and, like Goffatt, will be given all the time required.”

The Villagers have had one of their best seasons for some years and it will be a big occasion for teenager Joe Satterthwaite, who has stepped into the half-back role with great effect following Mark Tyson's broken hand injury several weeks ago.

Tyson is a key member of the side, but Satterthwaite has linked up nicely with goal-kicking partner Adam Jackson.

Askam are a well-balanced outfit, with youth and experience, and if experience is going to be a telling factor then look no further than the Butler brothers, Jamie and Tom.

Jamie had a great career with Barrow Raiders, spanning 10 years, while Tom – an old-fashioned centre – has been at the club for more than 20 years.

In full-back Russ Bolton and hooker Sam Dowsett, they have a duo that can cause havoc in any opposition, while BARLA youth international Tom Wilkinson has taken to a higher level like a duck to water after his switch from Cumbria League side Ulverston.

Coach Wilson knows what level his side will go to if they are successful. As a 16-year-old, he made his first-team debut in the Premier Division at Dudley Hill – a team that he coached his squad to a first victory over in Bradford last month.

Looking ahead to the clash, Wilson added: “We will put that defeat at Blackbrook behind us it was a bad day all round and we will be totally focused. We have had a good season on and off the field and we will go out and enjoy the day, there is a buzz around the club.

“Blackbrook are a good all-round team and play a similar game to Leigh East, who we beat in the semi final. They can score points and defend just like ourselves, so it is going to be an interesting game”

The full Askam squad is: Russ Bolton, Jack Cairns, Tom Butler, Ben Lewney, Tom Askew, Adam Jackson, Joe Satterthwaite, Jamie Butler, Sam Dowsett, Rory Marshall, Tom Goffatt, Gary Bolton, Dan Sayle, Tom Wilkinson, Stu High, Joe Dowsett, Tom Hopkins, Gareth Richards, Rob Cockayne, Brad Kavanagh and Mark Tyson.

DISTINGTON v BARROW ISLAND

JOE Spencley and Richard Chatfield apart, Island take on Cumbria League champions Distington looking to become the first team to inflict defeat on the West Cumbrians in the final of the Top Four Play-offs.

Ryan Clegg is rated 50-50 with a knee injury, while the squad is boosted by the return of Matt Parkinson and Dan White.

Island coach Joe Elliott is optimistic ahead of the game, which takes place at Whitehaven's Recreation Ground (kick-off 2.30pm).

He said: “It is a game that I feel confident we can win; the lads are really up for it and it would be nice to get a win after three defeats to them this season.

“In all three we competed very well the lads stuck in and we are not afraid of them.

“Whatever the result, we have had a good season and the future of the club is in good hands we are moving in the right direction and we are taking a full bus with plenty of support for the lads.

“We are a relatively young side – a side that buzzes with enthusiasm – but we will have to match them up front.”

MILLOM v FEATHERSTONE LIONS

(Devonshire Road, 2.30pm)

MILLOM look to round off their season with a victory as they drop down to National Conference Division Two.

Coach Tom Sibley could sit this one out with slight concussion, while Jonathan Hodgson is doubtful with a shoulder injury.

“It would be nice to finish on a high the Lions are in the play-offs, so they will be going all out for a win,” said Sibley.

“But I feel we can win this one and it would be nice for all our supporters who have stood by us this season I would like to thank them for their support and we will re-group for next year.”

DALTON v WHINMOOR WARRIORS

(Kelland Park, 2.30pm)

WORK commitments rule out Harri Brown, Jack Flynn and Ross Clayton for this Pennine League Division One encounter.

In the reckoning are Jonathan Walsh and debutant Jack Knowles, who will take his place on the wing.

Also recalled is Joe Braun Smith as the Kelland Park side look for their second home victory of the new season.