Saltaire will put their unbeaten record on the line in tomorrow’s big JCT600 Bradford League Division Two clash at promotion favourites Lightcliffe.

The Roberts Park side head the table with 85 points – two more than their opponents – and have already opened up a 23-point gap on third-placed Keighley.

With four wins and a tie from their first five games, it is no wonder that their skipper Ijaz Khan is sporting a smile.

Saltaire went outside of the Bradford League to rebuild their side after last season’s relegation and already the new men have been making their mark.

Opening batsman Sanjaya Kodimarakkalage has adapted well after being recruited from Norfolk League side Fakenham, while fast bowler Matthew Simpson has caught the eye following his switch from Bradley in the Craven League.

Skipper Khan said: “Everybody has been chipping in and that has been one of the best features for me.

“The new players have settled into the side and have been contributing.

“It is a tribute to Simon Hicks that he can go out of the league and recruit players who can come in and perform.

“Saltaire doesn’t have the financial resources of other clubs but we can offer players an opportunity to play at this level.”

One of the newcomers, wicketkeeper Richard Spry, will be missing tomorrow. “He is a Stoke City fan and is going to watch them in the FA Cup final at Wembley,” said Khan, who is in his benefit season.

Joe Hicks will deputise behind the stumps with in-form batsman Usman Munir being promoted from the second team after an impressive start to the season.

Munir has hit two centuries while scoring 363 runs for Saltaire’s second team – the league’s only other unbeaten side – and has yet to be dismissed in four innings.

Khan is expecting a tough test at Lightcliffe. He said: “They have a really strong line-up so this is an opportunity for us to test ourselves.

“There are aspects of our play that can improve, such as the fielding and our tactical awareness, but I am sure that will come.”

The top game in Division One sees fourth-placed Pudsey St Lawrence entertain Woodlands.

Leaders Bradford & Bing-ley have a tricky fixture at Manningham Mills, while Farsley face a visit to East Bierley after dropping from first to third place last week following their defeat at Woodlands.

Second-placed Hanging Heaton will be looking to continue their good start at Baildon, while Cleckheaton – fresh from their first win at Undercliffe – host Pudsey Congs.

The remaining game sees Undercliffe – the only side without a victory – bidding to end that run against a Gomersal side that has made an encouraging start and currently lies fifth.