Top-eight clash takes centre stage (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Top-eight clash between Brighouse and Thackley takes centre stage

5:00pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in Sport By Ian Whiting

There is no question where the local focus will be in the Baris Northern Counties East League Premier Division on Saturday.

Brighouse Town host Thackley in a top-eight clash with the home side bidding to go second if results go their way.

Visitors Thackley won last time out and broke the 30-point barrier in what was their 15th game of the campaign, keeping up to the target of two points per game set by manager Vince Brockie.

Town have played one game more than their visitors and have a five-point advantage, so it all points to a classic derby encounter.

Liversedge also have a short trip as they make the journey to sixth-placed Tadcaster Albion. Sedge will be licking their wounds after a heavy West Riding County Cup defeat in midweek when they lost 7-0 at home to Conference North high-fliers FC Halifax Town.

In Division One Eccleshill United host seventh-placed Shirebrook Town as the club step up their search for a new manager to replace Ian Banks. The closing date for applications passed this week.

Eagles’ rivals Albion Sports make the short trip to AFC Emley, who are only above Shirebrook on goal difference.

Kulwinder Sandhu’s men have three games in hand on their hosts and trail by just six points.

There should be no signs of tiredness for Silsden when they host Runcorn Linnets in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

The Cobbydalers were due to play a West Riding County Cup second round tie on Wednesday but the game fell foul of a late downpour.

A win on Saturday would see them leapfrog their visitors as Chris Reape’s men look to bounce back from a League Cup defeat at Division One outfit Cheadle Town.