COLNE skipper Matt Wilson says his men will benefit in the long-term from the input of professional Shadley van Schalkwyk – and believes the South African’s impact will pay dividends this season for the Horsfielders.

Wilson takes his men to Rawtenstall tomorrow in a clash between the Foster’s Lancashire League’s bottom two sides who have just one win between them this season.

But whatever happens in the game at Bacup Road, Wilson, 32, is sure that Van Schalkwyk will make the Pendle club better with each week.

“Shadley is already having a real impact around the club,” said Wilson, who has a full strength side for the game.

“You can see it at nets, you can see it in matches – despite the results.

“He is making the young lads better players and he is certainly good for the club and that really is just what we need.”

Van Schalkwyk will come up against his fellow countryman Jandre Coetsee in the game as Rawtenstall’s professional makes his belated bow for Vinny Hanson’s men.

Coetsee arrival was initially delayed die to visa issues and then by the death of his mother and his debut is timely for Rawtenstall, who have collected just five bonus points so far this season.

Star South African professionals are very much the order of the day this season and Enfield are riding high in fifth spot with paid man Werner Coetsee shining with both bat and ball and he will look for more of the same when Adam Bracewell’s men head to Turf Moor for their game with Burnley.

Ockert Erasmus is working to transform East Lancashire’s fortunes this season with the professional also taking on the role of captain.

And he had his best weekend to date last weekend when his men beat Bacup in the league before stunning holders Ramsbottom in the Worsley Cup.

Erasmus and company make a rapid return to Acre Bottom tomorrow and while he knows Jonathan Fielding’s men will be out for revenge, he hopes the success of seven days ago can inspire the Blackburn side.

“It was a great weekend,” said Erasmus.

“And I hope that is can be the start of a run for us.

“It won’t be easy against Rammy. They are a tremendous side with Jon Fielding and their pro Pieter Malan and last week was good for us – but we need to work just as hard tomorrow.”

Alex Redhead is called into the squad, while at the other end of the age scale club chairman Mark Lomas is also included.

Church and Nelson meet in a repeat of last year’s Worsley Cup semi-final, while Accrington play host to Bacup but are missing former Lancashire man Graham Lloyd, who is away on umpiring duties.

Rishton play host to Todmorden in a good looking game at Blackburn Road, while there is a huge clash at Bentgate as Haslingden lock horns with reigning champions Lowerhouse.

Charlie Cottam is without Jonathan Finch for the trip, while Graham Knowles leads a full strength Haslingden side.