WHARFEDALE visit Nottingham tomorrow hoping that they will not be called upon to emulate Houdini for a third week in succession to collect two points from their National Division Two fixture, (writes Tony Simpson).

If the Greens provoked a number of raised eyebrows when they snatched a draw against Harrogate at the death, their stunning second-half escape act at Stourbridge last weekend was even more spectacular.

Like Sir Alex Ferguson, Wharfedale coach Peter Hartley must now think that there is no such thing as 'a lost cause' where the Greens are concerned.

Nottingham were beaten convincingly earlier in the season at The Avenue and it would be an upset if they were able to avenge that reverse.

They have, however, been producing some better form of late and since they are still too close to the relegation zone for comfort, like Stourbridge, they can be relied upon to make a decent fist of things.

Wharfedale coach Peter Hartley insists on keeping an eye on the watershed mark of 24-points which he feels will close out any of the relegation-threatened trio, he is also permitting himself to look at more positive targets, like improving on the sixth place finish achieved last season.

The Dalesmen are currently in that position, two points behind Fylde and three behind Harrogate, and with Fylde to play at home, they have a chance to edge forward.

A win at Nottingham would set them up for a handful of home tests before the final day trip to Plymouth Albion.

The line-up at Nottingham will have Craig Ingram and Neil Dickinson taking the propping berths and Philip Peel taking a turn on the replacement bench, while in the back-row, Paul Evans resumes at flanker after a holiday absence.

Sam Allen twisted his knee in the dying minutes of last week's game and he takes a week off, Russ Buckroyd taking the No 8 slot. The backs are unchanged.

Wharfedale: J Davies; G Johnston, A Hodgson, D Whitfield, G Smithson; A Baggett, D Harrison; C Ingram, J Lawn, N Dickinson, D Lister, A Capstick, P Evans, H Verity, R Buckroyd.

Directios to ground:The Nottingham ground is located off Queens Road, Beeston on the main Nottingham to Long Eaton road.