CLECKHEATON are playing the long-game in a bid to return to former glories in the Bradford Premier League, says Mally Nicholson.

But the captain admits his side are also focused on arresting an early season run which has seen them lose two of their opening four fixtures.

The captain said: "We're building a team for the next few years, not just this year.

"We'll keep building for the years to come, bringing lots in from the second team and then we'll go from there."

The reserves have somewhat outshone their first-team counterparts, winning every game they've played so far.

The first team sit in eighth after their recent defeat against reigning Premier Division champions Pudsey St Lawrence.

But Nicholson believes they just need to get two wins in their next two games and they'll be right back up there.

He added: "I would have expected us to compete better last weekend.

"The last five wickets for 15 runs are what lost us the game really.

"We know we need to improve - we've had two or three new players just come to the club."

One of those signings includes former Yorkshire spinner Azeem Rafiq, who comes in from Sheffield Collegiate and bolsters Cleckheaton's batting entourage as well.

Despite their recent loss, Rafiq managed 3-45 and Nicholson says the new man is settling in well.

The captain added: "He's been really good - he's really keen and he's enjoying it.

"Azeem said there's probably less pressure with us.

"He's been bowling well and I'm happy with how he's doing.

"He's good with the second team and with the youth."

Cleck's chance for redemption will come this weekend in a local derby against Bradford & Bingley who are flying high in third after two wins in a row.

Nicholson said: "If we improve our batting this weekend, we have a chance.

"We know it will be a hard game and we'll need to be on form to do well.

"The batting will be the key battle and then we'll see what they've got later on in the game - whether they've got any spin."

Elsewhere, Woodlands are just about managing to hold off Pudsey St Lawrence at the moment, having racked up an impressive seven-wicket win at Townville.

Chris Brice will look to continue his impressive bowling form - notching 5-20 in their last game - at home to fellow early pacesetters Wrenthorpe.

St Lawrence head to Farsley, while the winless runs of either Undercliffe or Methley should come to an end this weekend as the two bottom sides face each other.

New Farnley will be in buoyant mood ahead of their trip to Lightcliffe after notching the highest score of the last round of fixtures with 211-9.

Hanging Heaton will hope to put a disappointing tie with struggling Methley behind them when they host Townville.