THE theme of local rivalries extends from top-flight football to the West Lancs League tomorrow, as Dalton United make the short journey over to Walney Island in an appetising league fixture.

On a weekend that sees Manchester United travel to Liverpool and AC Milan and Internazionale clash, Dalton and Walney will be vying for local bragging rights and three valuable points in Division Two.

Dalton manager Andy Marshall leads his side over Jubilee Bridge to face a Walney Island team unbeaten in the league at home this season. And despite some inconsistent form to begin with, Marshall has been pleased with his side’s efforts so far.

“We had a mixed start to the season due to injuries and work commitments, but we’ve pulled together through the hard times and got results,” he said.

“The group of players are all working hard together and working for each other, and the link between the first team and reserves is good. All the players are happy to be playing for the club, rather than a specific first or reserve team, which I think is a positive.”

The teams sit side-by-side in the table, with Dalton in seventh, one point and one place ahead of Walney in eighth.

“Both teams have played 10 games thus far, and both have had mixed results.

“Saturday is an important game for both teams, both are looking to climb the league and are capable given the quality in both camps,” added Marshall. “We’re just hoping our strength shines through.”

Marshall’s arrival has heralded a raft of changes at Dalton to renew the community’s interest in the side. He brought in Hanley Dawson from Cumbria Strength and Conditioning to help improve the side’s fitness, as well as staging sessions to promote better health, exercise and nutrition.

“We have a good mix of youth and experience, and hopefully we can regenerate the team on the pitch and bring in some silverware,” he added.

“But for now, we are concentrating on picking up as many points as possible to help cement our league position ahead of the wet and windy months.”

Walney were eliminated from the Lancashire Shield by Millom last time out, when they were unfortunate to crash out after a penalty shootout.

Steve McCullough will be hoping star striker Matt Lockley can continue his inspired form in front of goal – he has netted 10 times so far this season.

In the West Lancs Premier Division Vickerstown face a stern test as they host a Longridge Town side who are unbeaten in their seven league games.

Crooklands Casuals travel to third-placed Milnthorpe in Division One, and Askam take on Kendal County in a game that should be tight affair, with the two teams currently sharing the exact same record. Hawcoat Park take on Wyre Villa at home.

Millom are storming Division Two with eight wins from eight, with veteran Carl Waters’ league-leading 14 goals firing them into the top two.

Euxton Villa are the visitors to Devonshire Road tomorrow.

Elsewhere in the division, Furness Cavaliers travel to Charnock Richard, and Furness Rovers attempt to pick up their first points of the season at Kendal United.

This weekend’s Furness Premier Division fixture list pits second against third as Swarthmoor host Barrow Celtic.

Connor Smith and Rob Johnson are in fine form in front of goal for the Hoops, but Swarthmoor have lost just one of seven games at home in the league this season.

Hawcoat Park reserves will be looking to extend their five-point lead at the top, but will have to overcome Holker Old Boys reserves for the second time this season – the teams produced a nine-goal thriller in their previous encounter.