Birky newcomers boost their hopes of promotion bid (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Birkenshaw newcomers boost their hopes of promotion bid

7:30pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in Sport By Jack Strother

Birkenshaw will unveil three new signings when they welcome title-seeking Pennine League Division One Upton to East Bierley on Saturday.

Brothers Simon and Anthony Lindsay have been signed from Shaw Cross, together with Graham Nash from Ossett Trinity, and are all pencilled into a strong squad that will be attempting to keep Birky’s own promotion hopes alive by causing a huge upset against an Upton outfit that have lost only twice this term.

Wibsey Warriors host Premier Division strugglers Thornhill Trojans without the services of speedy three-quarter Phil Brian and long-term packman casualty Andy Wilkinson.

Otherwise coach Jason Hirst has a full complement fit and ready for action against a Trojans side that have lacked fire-power more than once at vital times this season.

Queensbury marksman Scott Swann misses out on the vital trip to fellow relegation candidates Dewsbury Moor, alongside veteran prop forward Lee Kelly.

Bury, who are aware that defeat against entrenched bottom-of-the-table side Moor will severely impact on their own chances of staying in the top flight, will give Matt Flanagan a late fitness test, while Rob Nagy is included following his return from holiday.

Championship table-toppers Keighley aim to keep their unbeaten record against visiting Moorends Thorne Marauders, while West Bowling, who are hot on their heels in second, travel to New Earswick All Blacks.

Bank Top Harriers are nicely tucked into third place waiting to pounce. They keep the same squad that beat Crigglestone convincingly last time out, with the noticeable inclusion of leading points scorer Adam Mitchell for the journey to lowly Ossett Trinity.

Wyke will be at full strength when they travel to Emley Moor in Division Two. Emley are unbeaten on home soil under the tutelage of Huddersfield Giants half-back Danny Brough, which will add spice to an encounter that the black and whites believe they can win.

Bottom-of-the-table Clayton, who are in the throes of a player shortage, welcome Lindley Swifts.

The Villagers badly need numbers and would welcome any former or recently-retired players to contact Dave Pickthall at the Lidget Green clubhouse, where they will be made most welcome.

Division Three relegation favourites Pontefract Sports & Social Club will not relish the big slope and heavy going of Odsal Rec when they face a very focused Odsal Sedbergh, who delight in such conditions, while there will be a cracking Division Four derby at Queensbury A against Undercliffe Wildboars.