Liversedge club captain Craig Sugden is a casualty - not of his long-gone injury problems but of the current form of the team pushing for promotion to the UniBond League.

As one of the senior players in the Sedge squad, Sugden has been a trusty aide to manager Steve Newton in the dugout and in the dressing room. However, with his playing career a long way from over, he would rather be making a difference on the pitch.

"It is just a case of waiting for my chance to break back into the side," said Sugden. "When the club is winning you can't expect the boss to change things around."

Sedge gained a point from a goalless draw at Thackley last week - ironically in a rare poor display by them - and went top of the NCE Premier Division. It was poignant for Sugden that it was at Dennyfield.

Sugden may have begun his career at Eccleshill United but he was Thackley skipper for many years before switching to Sedge at the beginning of this season after moving to the Cleckheaton area.

A commanding defender, Sugden actually came off the bench against his old club to play as a makeshift striker, as Newton tried to snatch a victory from the derby.

"I'm fit and raring to go but we have been doing so well that it is going to take time, especially as the defenders have been so solid," added Sugden.

"Even under pressure against Thackley, the three lads at the back showed why they are holding on to their shirts week in week out."

Sugden enjoyed the return to his former club, saying: "It was nice to go back to Dennyfield and I'm glad I got a run-out as it is still a special place for me."