MARK SOWERBY takes his Huddersfield side to derby rivals Cleckheaton tomorrow (3.00) knowing they couldn’t be in better shape.

Having won their opening three North I games, player-coach Sowerby and his men make the short trip to Moorend with their confidence sky-high.

And with an injury-free squad at his disposal, the Lockwood Park chief can’t wait for the match.

“When the fixtures were released, the first ones I looked for were the games against Cleckheaton,” said Sowerby.

“For Huddersfield, it’s one of the closest derby fixtures we can have.

“But, on top of that, Cleckheaton have lots of my old mates from my Wakefield days, which adds to my sense of excitement.

“It’s obviously going to be a very tough test for us, because I know how keen they are to go straight back up after suffering relegation last season.

“But we’ve started this season well, with the three wins having given us a great deal of early momentum, and we’re going there with a healthy squad as well as a confident one.

“We know we’re going to have to be at our very best to win, but we’re sure a derby fixture like this should bring the best out of us.”

However, while Sowerby is pleased with the solid start his side has made, he knows now is hardly the time to get too carried away.

“Although we’ve won three out of three, we know there are areas where we need to improve,” he added.

“And, to be honest, I was always expecting us to win the opening games.

“After all, those wins have come against two sides who finished below us in the League table last season and the other was against a team who have just been promoted.

“But I’m still encouraged by the start we have made.

“The key now is to build on this solid foundation, starting with our best performance of the season at Cleckheaton tomorrow.”

Huddersfield: McLaren; Swifts, Mortimer, Paxman (L), Shaw; Johnson, Clayton; Howard, Gough, Stringwell, Pratt, Rhodes, Hinchliff, Whitehead, Sowerby. Subs: McPhail, Harris, Scrimshaw.

Falcons (Cleckheaton, home, 3.00): Truelove; Cox, Paxman (B), Taylor, Grimes; Morgan, Ainsworth; Slater, Davies (J), Pollock, Rowan, Shiel, Davies (T), Sharrock, Hodgson. Subs: Stephenson, Hanks, Sapramando, Stannicliffe, Smith.