GRAHAM Knowles is happy not too many people have noticed Haslingden’s charge to the summit of the Lancashire League and is keeping his fingers crossed for a dry day ahead of tomorrow’s trip to champions Accrington as his men aim for a super six.

The Bentgate skipper is delighted with the five wins from five games as he looks to get over the disappointment of last year’s heart-breaking second place as Accrington pipped Haslingden to the title on the last day.

And ahead of the first meeting of the season between the star turns, batsman Knowles is hoping the rain stays away to nullify the threat of Accrington skipper and star bowler David Ormerod.

“You never want to face Dibber (Ormerod) when conditions suit him,” said Knowles. “Obviously he is a great bowler and has been for many, many years and when it’s been wet he can be lethal.

“But I am looking forward to the game. The last couple of years have produced really good games between the sides and I am sure Sunday will be tight.”

Haslingden’s five from five start has seen them overhaul Ramsbottom at the top of the table - and Knowles is delighted that the wins have come largely without major contributions from himself, Phil Hayes and Steve Dearden.

“To be fair, they probably expect us to perform with the bat and we expect to perform – but the other lads have stepped up to the mark and done well when they have had to and that is good news for us.

“John Pemberton did it on the first day of the season and then last week Lee Ingham and Moshin Imtiaz got runs last week. They are top, top players who would walk into most Lancashire League sides.

“We also have young Jack Taylor who has been there at the end to win three games already and he is only 16.”

Knowles has 11 wickets with his spin so far as Haslingden look to make up for the winter loss of bowler Eddie Shah.

But he added: “Jake Neary has come in and done so well and Chris Read has come back from the winter in Australia looking really good.

“So we are looking okay so far but we need to maintain the start for the season.

“Sunday is a big test and we are looking forward to it. I am sure Accrington will be looking forward to it as well.”

But there is a blow for Knowles as Pemberton misses the trip to Thorneyholme Road as he has a hamstring problem.

Veteran Mike Ingham is replaced in the side by Alex Coleman.

Accrington have two wins and three defeats so far but are at full strength for the clash.

“They have some good players with Simon Hanson in form and Matt Wilson can get a few,” said Knowles.

“And then of course there is Graham Lloyd. It won’t be an easy match.”