Joes bid to keep up form

THE outlook is starting to look a lot brighter for St Joseph’s.

After a shaky start to their new life in the Premier Division of the Pennine League, coach Jody Shaw’s side have now definitely found their feet.

With several key players back in the side after missing the beginning of the campaign, the positive results are now arriving.

In the past month, the Fartown-based side have recorded two victories and a draw, and will be confident of securing a second successive home win tomorrow against Bradford club Clayton.

And, if other results go their way, St Joseph’s could find themselves in the top four for the first time.

That could also be the case for Moldgreen in Division I.

But for that to be achieved they will need to be at their best to beat second-placed Ackworth Jaguars at the DRAM Centre.

A clearer picture of the Second Division title race could emerge after this weekend’s fixtures.

Leaders Emley Moor are ready to do battle at home to Thornhill Trojans A, who may be in fifth place but have won their opening three fixtures and are expected to be a key contender.

Second-placed Newsome Panthers are also at home and will clearly need to be on their guard against third-placed Wyke.

Lindley Swifts will be desperate to get back in action and keep on the winning track in Division III.

While the Huddersfield side were having the weekend off, they lost top spot to Bank Top Harriers who, like the Swifts, secured a seventh win from seven starts.

So the Swifts will definitely not to be lacking in motivation when they entertain Sharlston Rovers A.

It’s also a big weekend for in-form Slaithwaite Saracens, who know a win at Odsal Sedbergh will help Ritchie Hawkyard’s side move above their Bradford visitors and into third spot.

There’s a big derby battle in Division IV with Underbank Rangers hosting Meltham All Blacks at The Cross, with the home side starting the contest as favourites, having won four of their opening games to their rivals’ two.

Also in action this weekend are the town’s three second teams, with two of them on their travels.

In Division V, Moldgreen are at Drighlington A, Division VI side St Joseph’s face Wyke A but Slaithwaite tare at home to Balderstone Warriors in Division VII.