JAKE Woods is hoping Askam United can overcome their stuttering start to the West Lancashire League Division One season when they host Millom in a derby showdown tomorrow.

The Duddon Road outfit are currently 13th out of 14 teams in the division with nine games played and only winless Wyre Villa beneath them.

Having only been able to put out what manager Dave Tomaszko and assistant Woods would consider their strongest side once - their sole win so far, 3-0 at home to Milnthorpe Corinthians last month - has not helped Askam’s cause.

But that is not being used as an excuse and although results have not been good there are still positives which have been taken from those games, particularly last week’s 1-0 defeat away to Lostock St Gerards, as United prepare for the clash with Millom.

“We’ve not had the best of starts, as people know, but we’re massively looking forward to this game,” said Woods. “All of the lads are up for it, and hopefully we can get some points on the board and kickstart our season.

“We’ve lost two away games on the bounce, but they were two decent performances. Especially last week, we missed quite a few chances and should have at least got a point.

“The positives are there; we are playing better stuff and defending better, and fingers crossed we can get something out of the game.”

Millom, who won promotion last season as Division Two runners-up, head to Askam having yet to win on the road this season and sitting 11th in the early standing.

This will be the first competitive encounter between the teams since the final of the Furness Senior Cup in 2017, which Askam won 5-4 on penalties after the match finished 2-2.

Danny Pattinson’s side went on to claim that honour this year though and will no doubt be eager to end their away-day hoodoo against their local rivals.

Millom come into the game on the back of a 4-2 defeat at home to Eagley last time out, but Woods is in no doubt the outcome will come down mostly to desire.

“Form goes out the window in these games and, usually in this league, these sort of games are down to who is up for it more,” said Woods.

“They’ll be up for it and we’ve got to match them, and hopefully things will go our way.

“We’ve not played them for a while and, personally, it’s going to be a matter of who wants it most.

“They’re quite a decent side, but they’ve not had the best start either - although they’ve started better than us - and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Tomorrow's fixtures

North West Counties League First Division North: St Helens Town v Holker Old Boys.

West Lancashire League Premier Division: Vickerstown v Slyne with Hest.

West Lancashire League Division One: Askam United v Millom, Crooklands Casuals v Lytham Town, Hawcoat Park v Leyland United, GSK Ulverston Rangers v Lostock St Gerards.

West Lancashire League Division Two: Dalton United v Horwich St Mary's Victoria, Furness Cavaliers v Galgate, Kendal United v Furness Rovers, Walney Island v Garstang reserves.