ASKAM will not be taking North West Men's League Division One leaders Walney Central lightly as they aim for a third-successive Barton Townley Cup final win.

The Cents and Millom are the two clubs which have enjoyed three final victories since the prestigious competition got under way back in 1982.

Millom were the first to lift the trophy, beating Barrow Island when the cup was contested for on Good Friday morning, when gates of over 1,000 were the norm.

The Villagers will be out for revenge when they lost out 11-10 courtesy of a 40-yard drop-goal from Mike Elliott in extra time in the 2013 final.

Dave Clark is looking forward to his first final as Askam's head coach but, is not underestimating the opposition, saying: “It is a game not only I am looking forward to, but also the lads and supporters of Askam.

“We are in the middle of a tough week, having a good win over East Leeds last Saturday prior to going to St Judes this weekend.

“But we are totally focused on tonight's game and will have a near full-strength side out. I will not be resting players despite the hectic schedule. We will give Walney 100 per cent respect; this is final and we are aware of what they did to Barrow Island in the semi-final.

“They maybe leagues below us, but we will have to be on the ball and complete our sets or we are in trouble. They may not have the strength in depth like in past seasons, but they are in the final on merit.

“We are hoping for a fine night as we toughed it out against Millom in the semi final in poor conditions. The big pitch will suit us as we look to stretch Walney out wide, but we are prepared for a tough battle.”

Clark is set to make just the one change to the side that defeated East Leeds, with Mark Tyson coming in for Russ Bolton, who has an ankle injury, after completing his suspension.

Askam's forward could hold the key to victory, with the likes of skipper Tom Hopkins, Liam Saunders and Tom Wilkinson on top of their form, but they are still missing live-wire Sam Dowsett, who will return at St Judes after completing suspension.

Walney's joint-coach Dave Warne is not unduly worried going into the game against the National Conference League Division Two side.

“We are underdogs and hold no fear of Askam,” said Warne. “It is a big challenge for most of out lads mostly youngsters coming into first team this season but they have adapted very well.

“Many senior players left at the end of last year, so myself along with (joint-coach) Dave Bell are rebuilding. Some of the lads have never played at Craven Park and never in a final, so it is a great opportunity for them on the big stage.

“If you have asked me before the season started where we would be at this stage I couldn't have told you, but we have done well to top the North West Men's League with only one defeat and to reach the Barton Townley final is a bonus.”

Key players are missing. Sipper Jamie Morrow walks down the aisle next week so is unavailable. Also ruled out is powerful forward Adam Nicholson, who looks like he isbn going to have surgery on a shoulder problem, and he is joined on the sidelines by Jake Devereux (hamstring).

Back into the Walney the squad come experienced pair Harry Gee and Dave Nicholson, who will lead the younger players, along with Jordan Staffieri and Stu Tippett.

Special guest is Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey, who said: “It is a great honour for the Barrow And District League to invite me as chief guest.”

Referee: Curtley Etchells. Touch-judges: Bob Huitson, Mark Bowness.

Admission: £5 Adults, £3 senior citizens, £1 children.