Padiham and Barnoldswick Town meet in a local derby in the Vodkat League Premier Division at the Arbories tomorrow.

Barnoldswick were beaten at Maine Road in midweek and that 2-1 loss damaged their hopes of pressing on towards the top. And the defeat was also costly with injuries starting to bite.

Co-manager Ben Hall said: “We are struggling for numbers and Robbie Smith, Shaun Clough and Neil Chapman picked up knocks and Liam Blades is struggling with his foot.

“To be honest, I wouldn’t expect any of them to be fit for the Padiham match and we’ll have to check on Jack Overson and Arron Hollindrake before we think about putting a side out on Saturday.

“We are still fourth, we have lost six games all season, and we must continue to enjoy ourselves because 17 other teams would swap places with us that’s for sure.”

Ramsbottom United are third in the table but were shock losers at Silsden in midweek but hope to bounce back to form tomorrow when they welcome Flixton to the Riverside.

Colne travel to Cheshire for their game at Congleton Town, while Rossendale United’s continuing battle against the Vodkat League top flight drop takes them to Ashton Athletic.

In the First Division AFC Darwen are on the road and go to Abbey Hey.

Vodkat League Premier Division: Alsager Town v Squires Gate, Ashton Athletic v Rossendale United, Atherton LR v St Helens Town, Bootle v Stone Dominoes, Congleton Town v Colne, New Mills v Formby, Padiham v Barnoldswick Town, Ramsbottom United v Flixton, Runcorn Linnets v Maine Road, Silsden v Glossop North End.

Vodkat League First Division: Abbey Hey v AFC Darwen, Ashton Town v Wigan Robin Park, Atherton Collieries v Daisy Hill, Chadderton v AFC Liverpool, Cheadle Town v Eccleshall, Holker Old Boys v Irlam, Leek CSOB v AFC Blackpool, Norton United v Oldham Boro, Rochdale Town v Runcorn Town.