IT HAS been a poor start to the season, both on and off the field, for Thackley but they will be looking for a boost when they host Pickering Town tomorrow.

The Dennyboys are 16th in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division after five league games, and they would leapfrog their visitors with a win.

Pickering are a lofty ninth in comparison to Thackley but they are only three points better off and have played one game more. They also have a far worse goal difference than their hosts.

Albion Sports are the highest placed of the three local sides in the top tier but a very tough test awaits them. Kulwinder Sandhu’s men are sixth following a midweek defeat at home to new leaders Handsworth Parramore, and tomorrow they head to second- placed Heanor Town.

Albion have a weakened squad, with Matt Mathers and Matt Morgan unavailable, as they head to the Derbyshire outfit, who are the only club to still have an unblemished start after winning five from five.

There will be a battle of the strugglers at Barton Town Old Boys, who welcome Liversedge. Barton are rock bottom but Sedge are only third from bottom and have played two games more.

In Division One, Eccleshill United are at home to Worsbrough Bridge Athletic and looking for the victory that would also see them leapfrog their visitors.

The Eagles are hoping they have turned the corner after a poor start, and even though Worsbrough are three places higher going into tomorrow, they have played a game more.

Silsden are still going strong in the North West Counties League top tier after an impressive start which has seen them put 20 points on the board from nine games.

The Cobbydalers are currently third as they head to 15th-placed Alsager Town tomorrow. The home side’s position in lower mid-table may look respectable but they are above a lot of clubs that have played fewer fixtures.