NELSON professional Wade Wingfield today backed Jon Kent to breathe new life into Lowerhouse's flagging Transco Lancashire League campaign as the two teams prepare to go head-to-head for the third time this season tomorrow.

The Liverpool Road club are currently rock-bottom of the table after an injury to Kent has left their pre-season plans in tatters.

But classy South African Wingfield has urged the Burnley club to keep faith with his Natal team-mate because he's adamant he will come good once he shakes off his injury problems.

"I know Jon well because we play in the same team back home and, once he's fit, he'll do the business," said Wingfield.

"They've just got to be patient with him and he'll come good.

"At the moment, they're having a bit of a tough time of it because they're pro is injured and that unsettles things a little bit.

"But they've got some good amateurs and, once Jon gets back, I'm sure they'll start gelling together as a team."

While Kent has been left kicking his heels, Wingfield, meanwhile, has started to find his feet at Seedhill in what is his first season in the Lancashire League.

After losing a host of senior players over the winter, Nelson appeared to be in for a summer of struggle, particularly after being bowled out for 22 by champions Bacup during the opening weeks of the season.

Since then, however, the whole club has pulled together, winning three on the bounce. And Wingfield believes there's every reason to feel optimistic about the future.

"When we were bowled out for such a low score it did raise a few eyebrows, so that was a bit scary," said the South African.

"But we knew we'd be alright if we stuck together and things are going okay now.

"We've got quite a young side but I've been really impressed with the younger guys like Khurran Nazir and Saeed Riaz.

"We've bowled youngsters in pressure situations and they've handled it well.

"So, if we can keep hold of some of these younger guys, together with a sprinkling of more experienced players, then we should have a decent side over the next few years."

As for Wingfield's own form, the powerful strokemaker has two half centuries to his name so far, the latest coming in a nailbiting two wicket win over Church last week.

But, though he's having to curb his naturally aggressive streak, he insists there's plenty more runs in the locker yet.

"I'm very happy with how things are going," said Wingfield.

"I've settled in nicely, this is a great club, and we are doing okay as a team.

"On a personal level, I've had two half centuries so I'm pretty pleased with that. "But I've got to concentrate on trying to bat through innings, particularly as I'm opening the batting.

"Naturally, I'm quite an aggressive player but, with us having such a young side, it's important I stay in for as long as I can.

"I'm only a young pro myself but it's up to me to take responsibility.

"I just want to do well for the team and, if we can finish in the top five, then I think we'll be happy.

"I don't think the guys in the club are expecting us to win it this year but we still want to finish as high as we possibly can."

Tomorrow's fixtures: Colne v Burnley, Enfield v Church, Lowerhouse v Nelson, Ramsbottom v East Lancs, Rawtenstall v Accrington, Rishton v Haslingden, Todmorden v Bacup.