Barrow Island take on second-placed Wigan St Judes at Rating Lane in the Second Division of the National Conference League tomorrow.

The Wigan side are just three points behind leaders Ince Rose Bridge while the Island lie fourth, but they could go joint-second if third-placed West Bowling slip up at Askam.

Island are aiming to bounce back from their 20-20 draw at second-bottom Shaw Cross last weekend, when the hosts drew level with a last-minute penalty goal.

Judes were in a real tussle in their home clash with Clock Face, running out 30-28 winners.

Coach Joe Elliott is aware that his team must keep their 100 per cent home record intact if they are to continue their push for promotion to the First Division.

“It is important that we don’t slip up at home you have to win your home games plus a handful of away games to get in the promotion hunt,” Elliott said. “Our home form is good but you can’t take any team for granted home or away.”

Island welcome back Spencer Hoyland but could be without Josh Banham. Otherwise, it will be a similar squad to last weekend, although a big blow to the team is BARLA international Sam Jones not being available, as he has a prior engagement.

Elliott added: “We’re disappointed we dropped a point at Shaw Cross - it was more a point lost than a point gained, but the fight for promotion goes on.”

Askam take on West Bowling at Fallowfield Park where a reunion of ex players will take place. However, the Villagers are struggling to name a 17-man squad just seven days after failing to raise a team for an away trip to Crosfields.

Askam were hit with eight experienced players leaving the camp for the current campaign and - as it happens - injuries and work commitments takes its toll.

Coach Dave Clark also left the club only a few weeks into the season with club stalwart Tammy Tyson, aided by Dean Marwood, taking temporary control.

Training sessions of late have not been fully attended, hampering preparations, and at the time of going to press Tyson and Marwood are unable to name the squad but on the plus side, Tom Hopkins is available.

Millom are on the road, as they head to bottom-of-the-pile Salford City Roosters in Division Three. The Woolybacks should field a similar team to that which lost 18-6 at home to Heworth last week, but they await news on several players who are carrying niggling injuries.

Coach Tom Sibley said “Silly errors were our downfall last week and although we were in contention for long periods, three breakaway tries crushed us.”