Northern Counties East Premier Division rivals Eccleshill United and Thackley square up for their big derby tomorrow, and their fortunes could not have differed more since the reverse fixture.

On September 4, Thackley went top after winning at Dennyfield 2-1, sending Eccleshill to the foot of the table in the process.

Now it is Thackley who are desperate for points to escape relegation. Following last week's home defeat by Selby Town, Thackley are still second-from-bottom, while Eccleshill have climbed steadily to 11th.

United manager Ray Price names the same 14 who were on duty when they won through to the league cup semi-finals on Tuesday, but opposite number Trevor Best has to revert to goalkeeper Mark Tasker as Richard Cornwall, who has stood in for three matches, is unavailable.

Bradford Park Avenue are still in the running for promotion from UniBond Division One after last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Horsfall Sta-dium, which knocked visiting Witton Albion off the top. However, they face another severe test when they visit mid-table Workington - the North West outpost have a huge fan base. Avenue recall skipper Wayne Benn and centre back Neil Bagshaw after suspensions.

Guiseley, whose home match against Hyde United was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch on Tuesday, are at home to Colwyn Bay. Player-manager Bobby Davison has lost top- scorer Simon Parke to a one-match ban.

Farsley Celtic's outside hopes of joining Avenue in the promotion race were dealt a serious blow with last week's 3-0 defeat at Matlock, a match which left midfielder Andy Blair in hospital with a double fracture. They should get back to winning ways at home to Gretna. Celtic have striker Robbie Whellans and midfielder Marc Stimpson back from suspension.

Back in the Northern Counties East Premier, third-placed Liversedge face the daunting prospect of a visit to North Ferriby United, who are one place above with two games in hand.

Manager Eric Gilchrist will bring skipper Andy Kenton (back) and Craig Lawford (knee) back into the squad.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.