LOCAL pride is at stake today as derby rivals lock horns – but Haslingden skipper Graham Knowles insists his side’s game is just the same as any other.

Champions Ramsbottom make the trip to Bentgate to face Knowles’ men in what is always a keenly contested battle.

And while Knowles knows his men are in for a battle, he is equally sure they will be up for the fight.

“Yes, it’s a big game,” he said. “But arguably it is a bigger game for Ramsbottom than it is for us.

“Our derby is with Rawtenstall whereas this is their derby match.

“We will treat it like any other game – and we will go out to play it as hard as any game.”

Haslingden’s start has been impressive with four wins and two defeats from their six games and after the loss of four high profile performers, including Steve Dearden and Chris Read, that delights Knowles.

“We couldn’t have asked for any more,” he said. “It’s a good start and we are in decent nick and I will always back us.

“Ramsbottom are a good side, they were worthy champions last year and they have started well this time.

“But they are there to be shot down and it will be a good game tomorrow.”

Nelson finally secured their first win when they beat East Lancs last Saturday and will look for more joy when they welcome Burnley to Seedhill.

And there is another Burnley v Pendle derby at Liverpool Road as Lowerhouse and Colne collide just 24 hours after yesterday’s Worsley Cup match between the sides at The Horsfield.

David Warren’s Bacup face Rawtenstall in a mouthwatering clash at Lanehead and are riding high in fourth spot, while Todmorden and Enfield meet at Centre Vale.

Depleted East Lancs go to Rishton minus skipper Mark Bolton and batsman Mark Lomas, while Church skipper Craig Fergusson is suspended for the game with Church.

ACCRINGTON v CHURCH

Accrington were joint leaders until their defeat at Ramsbottom last week. Jimmy Hayhurst has Graham Lloyd available and he returns to the side along with Mitch Taylor for the derby clash with Paul Carroll and Mitch Taylor stepping down.

Sam Tucker leads Church in place of the suspended Craig Fergusson, Mohammad Jamil returns to the side in place of the skipper.

Key Man: Graham Lloyd. Verdict: Church.

BACUP v RAWTENSTALL

Bacup are unchanged for the Rossendale Valley derby at Lanehead with David Warren happy to stick with a side that has taken Bacup up to fourth spot.

Leyland’s impressive Brett Pelser stands in as sub professional for Rawtenstall. Skipper Vinny Hanson will pick his team after yesterday’s Worsley Cup tie at Nelson.

Key Man: Josh Rushmore. Verdict: Rawtenstall.

HASLINGDEN v RAMSBOTTOM

The mouthwatering clash between neighbours at Bentgate sees Haslingden professional Phill Hayes go up against his old club. Alex Marcroft replaces Sam Kershaw in the Haslingden side. Graham Knowles’ men will be fired up for the derby. League leaders Ramsbottom bring in Simon Read in place of Matty Lees in the only change to their side from yesterday’s Worsley Cup clash at East Lancashire as they look to increase their advantage at the summit.

Key Man: Graham Knowles. Verdict: Haslingden.

LOWERHOUSE v COLNE

Lowerhouse are second in the table ahead of the game and are at full strength as they play Colne for the second time this weekend after yesterday’s Worsley Cup tie. Colne are unchanged for the game with Matt Wilson looking for a third win of the year.

Key Man: Matt Wilson. Verdict: Lowerhouse.

NELSON v BURNLEY

Nelson are finally up and running after the shocking start thanks to their resounding win over East Lancs last weekend and are at full strength for the Seedhill showdown. Steve Brunt names a 13-man squad as he looks to improve a record that has seen just one win all season.

Key Man: Peter Dibb. Verdict: Nelson.

RISHTON v EAST LANCASHIRE

Winless Rishton go into their derby with East Lancs in confident mood. Shaun Wyse, Mark Leathert, Mo Patel and Scott Greaves return in place of Ben Bridson, Matt Lambert, Wayne Roberts and Jon Dobson. East Lancs are without skipper Mark Bolton and veteran Mark Lomas with John Turner leading the side. David Turner comes in for Andy Clague.

Key Man: John Turner. Verdict: East Lancashire.

TODMORDEN v ENFIELD

James Morgan and Freddie Priestley replace Oliver Wood and Nick Barker in the Todmorden team for the clash at Centre Vale. Adam Bracewell’s Enfield make the trip with Mas Ahmed and Zahir Afzal replacing Keiron Demaine and Alex Blake in the team.

Key Man: Simon Newbitt. Verdict: Enfield.