In Division One, Ramsbottom United welcome neighbours Rossendale to the Riverside on Tuesday, with the Rams expecting the biggest crowd of the season as both look to make an impact at the top.

It promises to be a battle of the strikers with the Rams 16-goal forward Russell Brierley vying against his Dale counterpart Craig Sargeson, with 17 efforts so far this season.

"Rossendale are doing well, they've had a good run in the FA Vase and it's a game both sets of players and fans will look forward to," said Rams secretary John Maher.

Clitheroe boss Dave Burgess knows the form book will go out of the window in derbies and he won't take three points for granted at Great Harwood despite their league positions.

Table topping Clitheroe are having a superb season while Denis Underwood's side are struggling at the wrong end of the table.

"It will be blood and thunder, a real battle," admitted Clitheroe boss Dave Burgess. "I was reserve team coach at Clitheroe when Denis was manager at Shawbridge so it's got added spice for me and, to me, this is our local derby."

Underwood is keeping his fingers crossed that striker Martin Horsfield -- a former Blues player -- will back to his best after injury.

"Martin's back and he will make a difference and we've also got centre half Neil Kennedy back, another former Clitheroe player, and with my connections there, we would all like victory," admitted Underwood who took Clitheroe to the FA Vase final in 1996.

In Division Two, league newcomers Padiham will be hoping 21-goal marksman Lee Chambers will add to his tally but Bacup goalkeeper Daryll Sloane will have other ideas when the two clash at West View.

"Padiham, like Stone Dominoes, have come into this league and taken it by storm," said Bacup boss Brent Peters. "They've had some great results and the league table doesn't lie. They'll be up for it but we're up for every game."

Padiham boss Graham Howarth will just be glad to finally get a league game in after weeks of inactivity.

"We had played more games than everybody else but now all the teams have caught up with us and we've slipped down.

"But we're not bothered. We're just still enjoying life in this league," said the Storks chief.

In the final derby, it's a battle of the John's as Mr Bailey's Nelson make a dash down the M65 to face Mr Lister's Colne.

John Lister has had a tough time in his short reign at Holt House as he bids to move Colne out of the bottom three whereas Nelson are nicely placed at the other end of the table, in second spot, after one defeat in ten games.

"I'm sure Colne will be up for it and beating us will be some consolation for the tough season they've had so far," said the Nelson boss.

Darwen are the odd team out, without a local game, making a trip Holker Old Boys in Division Two.

"We are their local derby so we've got a trip to Barrow.

"They, though, haven't played at home since the end of September so it's already looking doubtful," said boss Steve Wilkes. ACCRINGTON Stanley make the short trip to local rivals Bamber Bridge on Boxing Day looking to get one over on their Preston opponents.

John Coleman's side, currently in the top six in the UniBond Premier Division, will be desperate to seal three points as they look to keep pace at the top of the table.

Meanwhile it's high noon showdown for Chorley who welcome rock bottom Congleton to Victory Park on Tuesday in the UniBond First Division.

A 4-2 defeat of the same side early in the season is a good omen for the Magpies. Ian Barker (2), now left, Danny Mills and Paul Smythe were on target. (ko 12pm) Reds prepared

to cross Bridge GLAD: Graham Howarth