DALTON are looking to build on last week’s fine win over Hunslet Parkside when they entertain Huddersfield Underbank Rangers tomorrow, writes PADDY McATEER.

The Kelland Park side can continue their progress up the Pennine League Division One table with victory (2pm kick-off).

Dalton are sweating on the fitness of Harri Brown. The talented youngster was forced to leave the field in the first half of the Parkside match with a back injury and faces a race against the clock to be fit.

With Ryan Baines, Alistair McEwan and Ryan Milner all unavailable, the Dalton coaching staff are hopeful the elusive Brown will get the green light along with trusty Stu Tippett for the clash against third-in-table Underbank.

Also set to return is old head Daniel Laisby, who has been unavailable of late.

Assistant coaches Owen Richards, Paul Armstrong, Chris Reid and Dave Clough are holding the fort at Kelland Park following the resignation of former Barrow Raiders prop Lee Dutton.

He has moved to neighbours Askam as they prepare for the National Conference Division Two season. It is rumoured Dutton will be joined at Fallowfield Park by fellow pack man Jordan Herdman.

Looking ahead to the game following last week’s last-minute 16-14 win over Parkside, Richards said. “Last week we kept going and it was great to get a result, especially in the last minute.

“We were a bit down when Parkside took the lead in the last four minutes but we dug deep, went on the attack and scored a great try (through Tom Sharp) to win.

“We are looking to take all the hard work from that game into tomorrow’s game with Underbank.”

He added: “We could do with Daniel Laisby returning for what will be a tough game. We are lacking in size and some old heads, we are really a young side averaging around 19 and 20 years old.

“Losing Dutton and Herdman, along with Joe Cargan, has left us a bit light up front, but these young lads are up for the task, which shows we have a good production line in place.

“We owe Underbank one. We were heavily beaten at their place in conditions what were some of the worst I have ever come up against – heavy rain and a complete mud bath – and at one stage we were down to 10 men through injuries we picked up.

“Last week’s win will give the lads more confidence and hopefully we will get another win.”

Although Dalton have only four points and lie third from bottom, they are only four points behind Underbank and second-placed Siddal.

With several home games on the horizon, the Kelland Park outfit have a fine opportunity to climb the ladder.

Last weekend Underbank went down in a shock 19-16 home defeat to second-bottom St Josephs, which showed how fiercely competitive the division is.

Holders Walney Central will take on Barrow Island at Rating Lane on Saturday, February 27, in the first round of the Barton Townley Cup.

The previous week Millom play host to Hindpool, while Dalton take on Ulverston.

On Friday, March 4, under the Fallowfield Park floodlights, Askam entertain Roose Pioneers.