BARNOLDSWICK Town boss Stewart Airdrie admits it 'would be nice to get one over' on former striker Joe Gaughan when he lines up for Colne against Barlick in tonight's East Lancashire derby.

Gaughan made the switch to the Reds from the Silentnight Stadium on February 15 having hit 19 goals in 24 appearances for Airdrie's side this season.

And the North West Counties Premier Division hotshot notched his first goal for his new club on Saturday as they beat Runcorn Town 2-1 to maintain their push for the title.

Steve Cunningham's side will be strong favourites to make the most of one of their games in hand tonight and close the gap to league leaders Runcorn Linnets to five points.

But although there is no bad blood from Gaughan's switch, Airdrie is aware bragging rights are at stake.

"Joe did really well for us and I can fully understand why he's gone there. He was right how he went about leaving so there's no problems with us, but of course it would be nice to beat him," he said.

"It's a local derby, both teams want to win and there's bragging rights at stake.

"I'm sure the first couple of challenges will be tasty. He won't hold back and we certainly won't, and he has got a temper on him as well. I'm sure it will all be taken how it's meant but it would be nice to get one over on him."

While Colne are in the hunt for the title, Barnoldswick have struggled for consistency this season, which is they find themselves in 11th with relatively little to play for beyond pride.

Airdrie admits his side, without a win in four, are missing the goals of Gaughan, but they have also struggled with the weather, and with 16 games still play this season the Barlick chief has added his voice to the growing numbers calling for an extension to the season.

"It's frustrating, we just can't get the games in. We're training but there is nothing like playing matches but we're only getting the odd game in here and there," said Airdrie.

"There's a lot been said about moving the season and it's getting to that stage where it should be a possibility.

"They said a while ago (they wouldn't extend it) but at some stage common sense has got to come in.

"We're in a position where we're not going to go up and I don't think we'll go down, but there's teams at both ends of the table who will be playing three or four times a week towards the end of the season when it really matters to whether they go up or go down so there's a lot of pressure on lads.

"And let's not forget everyone works, people have to take time off to go and play football and teams will be playing Saturday-Tuesday-Thursday."