With the appointment of full-timer Steve Lander as referee, Bradford & Bingley already feel they have taken one potential danger out of the equation prior to their top-of-the-table National League Three North clash at Nuneaton.

"We can get on with our game and let the referee get on with his," says the Bees head coach Geoff Wappett.

Lander, who was educated at Hipper-holme Grammar School, has been an international panel referee since 1994, and has taken charge of such major internationals as New Zealand v Australia, as well as the 1995 World Cup.

Wappett is confident that prop Ronnie Kelly (partially collapsed lung), second row Bloues Volschenk (Achilles) and back-rower Neil Spence (swollen hand) will all return to the starting 15, but only gives prop Danny Greenhalgh (ankle) an outside chance of making the bench.

The Bees coach said: "These are exciting times, and after 18 games in a long, hard season it's fantastic to look forward to a game like tomorrow's.

"Of course, every Saturday means some-thing to us, but this is special and I think everyone has just got that little extra bit of excitement and anticipation about the game."

Wappett added: "I'm hoping we will be at full strength, but we have no excuses. We need to get out there and get a decent result no matter who is wearing the shirts. It is good to be where we are, but it will all count for nothing if we are not up there or thereabouts on April 22."

Cleckheaton give their younger guns Oliver Hawkins and Richard Wilson starts in the second row at New Brighton, leaving the experienced John Dudley on the bench for a game they should win. Otley are at relegation-threatened Doncaster in National League One, and visiting coach Peter Clegg confessed: "I am a little bit surprised that they are second from bottom with the players and resources that they have.

"I expected them to be mid-table, but it takes a little bit of time to adjust to the higher standard of our division."

Hosts Wibsey hope to avenge their defeat against Bradford Salem A earlier in the season. Former skipper Mark Carter comes in for Wibsey.