READ go into tomorrow's game at Oswaldtwistle Immanuel with two hat-tricks in their sights.

The Vaux Ribblesdale League joint leaders are aiming to win their last three matches, all against opposition from the bottom half of the table.

And chairman Wilf Woodhouse believes that would be enough to give them a great chance of the third league and cup double in their history.

Such heady heights have not been reached since the early 1970s, when Read ruled the Ribblesdale League roost.

But Mr Woodhouse is "optimistic" that, with the Ramsbottom Cup already in the bag, they can add the big prize to it.

"We're not taking anything for granted but I believe that if we can win our three remaining games, we'll have a darned good chance of finishing top," he said. "That's our target - to win all three games, against Immanuel, Ribblesdale Wanderers and Settle and we'll be trying our hardest to achieve it."

As it stands, Read are locked together with Earby on 98 points, with Great Harwood three points adrift of the top two.

Intriguingly, Harwood and Earby meet on the last day of the season. "We expect to be at full strength for the final three games and we're going to give it our best shot," added Mr Woodhouse.DARWEN are at home to Kendal and South African paceman professional Meyrick Pringle in the Vaux Northern League tomorrow.

Neil Cordingley, returning from holiday, replaces Salim Ugradar who is unavailable.

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