LEE Ashforth believes Campion are slowly returning to the levels that served his side so well over the course of the past two seasons.

The West Yorkshire outfit started the campaign in mixed fashion but have won their last four NCEL Premier Division fixtures in the lead up to tonight’s mammoth showdown with rivals Albion Sports at home.

Tonight’s visitors occupy the final spot (5th) of the play-off places, and while Campion sit nine points behind Albion in 11th, they have four games in hand on their rivals and have the chance to reduce the gap with a victory this evening.

Giving his thoughts on his side’s recent form and the importance of claiming a victory against Albion, Ashforth said to the T&A: “I think we’re getting there (back to our best).

“It’s very normal in this league for sides to go through a blip and that’s what we went through at the start of the season.

“The performances were good, but the results weren’t going our way, and we missed the impact of having a true goalscorer like Paddy Sykes.

“However, the results are starting to turn, and we feel like we’re nearing our levels of the past two seasons.

“Of course, it will take time to get to that standard again but if we win games like the one against Albion, then we will be on track to achieving our goals of reaching the play-offs.”

Looking ahead to the contest with rivals Albion, Ashforth added: “Albion has always been a good derby, particularly over the last few years. We’ve had some really good contests with them in the league, the FA Cup and last year in the play-offs too.

“Of course, they beat us in the play-off match, so they currently have the upper hand on us.

“There tends to be that added spice in these fixtures because both clubs have had a similar journey into the semi-professional ranks and a lot of the players know each other or have played for both clubs.

“Form tends to go out the window, and both sides both desperately want to win, so it always makes for an exciting fixture.

“I’m sure Albion will be looking forward to this fixture as much as we are.”

Campion and Albion, along with other sides from across the Bradford region, are expected to be competing at the summit of the NCEL Premier Division table towards the end of the current season.

Ashforth admitted that having successful clubs from around Bradford can only bode well for the local community.

He said: “It’s great for Bradford having these clubs competing towards the summit of the division.

“It brings good competition, and the added rivalry between the clubs is heightened when you are battling it out for play-off places and the top spots in the division.

“It also brings added crowds for each of these clubs, which can be hugely beneficial at this level.

“Tonight’s game is no different and it’s exciting to be a part of.”