ULVERSTON and Roose Pioneers go head to head in what is expected to be a thrilling Cumbria League encounter at Dragley Beck tomorrow.

In the National Conference, Millom host Underbank Rangers in Division One, hoping to put last week’s defeat at Skirlaugh behind them.

In Division Two, Askam will aim to continue their fine start when Stanley Rangers head to Fallowfield Park.

Ulverston v Roose Pioneers

(Dragley Beck, 2.30pm)

ULVERSTON look for back-to-back Cumbria League wins following their fine 28-18 victory at Glasson last weekend.

However, they will face a Pioneers side travelling with an air of confidence after their gutsy performance against Walney last Saturday.

Ulverston coach Phil Atkinson was full of praise for his players after notching up the win over Glasson.

He said ahead of this derby clash: “We played really really well, the forwards did their work up front and the backs did the damage in the first period.

“We were strong off the bench and it was good to see the players coming off the bench made an impact.

“We went in for six tries we took our chances and could have had one or two more, so it was a good day, especially as we never had any pre-season games.

“But we have to back that win up with another good performance. It is no good doing it one week and letting ourselves down the next, we have to keep producing the good performances.

“There is no way we will take Pioneers lightly, with Steve Neale now at the helm they will work hard and they gave us two good games last season.”

Atkinson will field a similar team tomorrow, although Liam High and Mike Reekes are unavailable. Into the squad comes Marc Saunders, plus one yet to be named.

Expected to play is exciting 17-year-old forward Brad Williamson, who had a good game off the bench at Glasson. Williamson, along with goal-kicking half-back Connor Saunders, came through Furness Raiders’ National College League cup tie against Hopwood Hall on Wednesday unscathed.

In the Pioneers camp, coach Neale and Donald Stewart are unavailable, while set to return are Corne Els and Dan White, along with Mark Bown, who has recovered from a ligament operation.

Under-16s prospect Dominic Coulson could also be added to the squad.

Neale said: “We know it won’t be easy but after our game with Walney I feel more confident of going to Ulverston and, hopefully, we will get a result. I was very pleased with the lads, we pushed Walney all the way.”

Millom v Underbank

(Devonshire Road, 2.30pm)

THE Woollybacks aim to put last week’s National Conference League Division One 36-2 defeat at Skirlaugh behind them and welcome back Joe Shaw and possibly Dave Thompson, but Ian Armstrong is unavailable.

Millom coach Tom Sibley said : “We have to up our game and play a lot smarter if we are to get the win.

“We had several opportunities but failed to put them to the good, I thought the journey to Hull minutes took its toll.”

Sibley is himself doubtful as he is battling against a bout of flu.

Stanley Rangers v Askam

BARRY Pugh and Russ Bolton are 50/50 for the trip to Yorkshire as both suffered niggling hamstring injuries in the fine win over St Judes last weekend.

Dan Sayle and Matty Heaton are unavailable, along with Jack Moses.

Likely to come into the squad for the National Conference Division Two clash are Steve Bolton and Tom Askew.

Askam coach Mike Wilson said: “We have to make changes and will have to step up our game a little more.

“Although we had a good win, there were areas we were not good at on several occasions but we will put that right.”

l Due to unforseen circumstances Walney’s home game with Hensingham has been postponed.

l The Barton Townley Cup semi-finals take place at Craven Park next Saturday.

Holders Walney Central take on Askam (1pm), before Ulverston meet Millom (3pm).