SALESBURY skipper Liam Parkinson says the uncertain situation at the top of Section B has ‘put a dampener’ on the end of the season for his side.

Padiham are appealing a decision to deduct them 12 points for allegedly registering an ineligible player, with a decision due to be made in early October.

But that means the second promotion spot will not be confirmed until three weeks after the final round of matches tomorrow, leaving Salesbury in limbo.

Barnoldswick confirmed their promotion with last weekend’s washout, and any points at home to Baxenden will crown them champions.

Salesbury are now eight points ahead of Padiham following the The Arbories side’s points penalty. They are at Brinscall and if they better their rivals’ result, at home to Feniscowles, it will clinch their elevation into Section A.

But anything else throws up the possibility of having to suffer an agonising wait.

Parkinson said: “It’s put a bit of a dampener on the end of the season.

“No-one knows if we we win and they win if we are going to be promoted - if they win their appeal it could all change.

“In my opinion, it should have been dealt with sooner.

“All we can do is go out there and play our game, and hopefully take 12 points against Brinscall.

“We’ve just got to turn up and try to get the job done.

“Our only option is to grin and bear it - and maybe have a promotion party in October instead of September!”

The clash at School Lane has plenty riding on it, but will surely not match the bizarre nature of the match between the two sides earlier in the season at Ribchester Road.

Brinscall were bowled out for 46, but then dismissed Salesbury for 33 - including five lbws - in a game that Parkinson said ‘was one of the strangest games I’ve ever played in’.

On the prospect of promotion, he added: “We’ve been wanting to do it for many years, but normally we die off mid-season and pick up again when it’s too late.

“This time we’ve pushed through and it could be a massive achievement.

“It will be tough at Brinscall, but we must put ourselves up there.”

The relegation battle in Section A provides plenty of intrigue. Cherry Tree are down, but second-bottom Oswaldtwistle Immanuel will be hoping the Preston old Road side can do them a big favour.

Ossie travel to Settle knowing they have to win to have any chance of survival, and then need Tree to beat Euxton, who are seven points ahead of them.

The other story in the top rung is the final Ribblesdale League matches for Clitheroe and Great Harwood, before they depart for the Lancashire League next season.

The Chatburn Road side wrapped up their fourth title in a row a fortnight ago, but will want to complete an unbeaten season at home to Whalley.

Great Harwood can pip Whalley for third place if they better their result when they travel to Read, which would be their ideal way to sign off. The other Section B game sees Earby host Ribblesdale Wanderers.