BARROW Island await news on Blain Marwood before finalising their 17 for the derby clash with Askam at Rating Lane in National Conference League Divison Two (kick-off 2.30pm).

It is over 20 years since these last met in the NCL and it is a game Island boss Joe Elliott is looking forward to.

"We want to put the defeat at Beverley behind us and this will be an interesting game," said Elliott. "Derby games are always good ones as both teams know players they are up against.

"There will be some interesting clashes between players aiming for local bragging rights and though Askam have lost several players from last season they will still be a force. They still have good players in key positions, so we will have to be at our best if we are to win."

Elliott is aware that if his side are to push for a play-off place at least come the end of the season, his team has to start winning their home games.

“You can't afford to lose many home games as on the road games are much harder, as you can't always travel with the team you would like for whatever reason," said Elliott.

"We have a strong squad and lads are always looking over their shoulder, so they have to compete. Being in Division Two this season means we are playing at a higher standard."

Askam are without Jamie Butler and Kyle Jefferson, but Dave Finlayson and Jack Cairns return.

"The good news is that Cairns is back following a troublesome shoulder injury; he is a big plus," said coach Dave Clark. "The lads were all up for it 28 at training on Tuesday and are all keen to play.

"It is another challenge for many of the younger lads and is extra important that we get a win again local opposition.

"As long as we respect the ball and complete out sets we will be all right. It will be a narrower pitch to ours but that's not a problem as you come up against this all year."

In Division Three, Millom host Dewsbury Celtic and are still searching for a first league win.

Last week they came back from 12-4 down to draw with Oldham St Annes and player-coach was Tom Sibley pleased with the effort.

He said: "We showed a lot of character to come back to draw with a good St Annes team the lads stuck to the task to score three second-half tries, but unfortunately we couldn't get the conversions in difficult conditions.

"That win will come we have to be patient and I am confident it will be tomorrow. Young lads have been given game time and they are doing well, and tomorrow we will have added experienced to the squad."

Sibley is back in the fold along with Charlie Emslie and Paul Carter, while Noah Robinson should receive the all-clear after a concussion.

Teenagers Astin Mossop and Kian McPherson both played well against St Annes and could be in contention.