JER Lane prepare for a pivotal clash with Hopton Mills this weekend as they look to cement their place at the table's summit.

The Bradford side were scheduled to play last weekend; however, the fixture was postponed due to Covid-19 related issues and they now have some lost time to make up for.

They currently sit in first place of the Bradford Premier League Division 2 table and their opponents occupy fourth place.

Sandal pose their biggest threat in second place and remain hot on their heels; however, they face a tough challenge on the road this weekend.

And ex captain and current player, Michael Hustler is fully aware of that.

He said: "I think Hopton Mills have got strength all around the field.

"They are a close-knit set of lads and they all work very hard for each other. They've got a good mix of players and players with vast amounts of quality.

"It should be a really good contest and it's one I'm looking forward to.

"We are quite confident going into the fixture and we feel we have a very strong side. Last week's game was obviously postponed due to Covid, so we feel we've got time to make up for.

"Three of our lads tested positive so it's still touch and go whether they'll be available or not.

"Hopefully they' return and we can attack the fixture with full confidence.

"It's a strange time because you can have incidents like this where our key players drop out because of covid.

"Unfortunately for us, it is our captain, our opening batter and a very good all-rounder so if they are not fit we will have to try and work round it. We would certainly be quite depleted if they didn't return and of course they would be three huge losses.

"To work around a situation like this we would have to recruit and promote people from the second team.

"There are some very strong players in our second team, who are playing very well.

"We would look to use the strength and depth we've got in that team and hopefully two or three of them could come in and do a job for us."

Jer Lane currently sit ten points above second placed Sandal and Hustler was quick to stress what a win could do for his side this weekend.

He said: "It's extremely important that we get a win this weekend.

"We are down a couple of games because of them being called off, including fixtures against Sandal.

"So, it is huge that we can continue to pick up more points to move away from the chasing pack. We might be sitting at the top of the table but teams certainly can catch us. It always adds that extra significance to beat those teams around you and we would be doing that with a victory this weekend."