WITH just six matches remaining in the scheduled season, there is no such thing as an easy game for Huddersfield at the moment.

And tomorrow’s home derby clash with Cleckheaton (Lockwood Park, 3.00) will certainly be no exception as coach Mark Sowerby’s men go in search of their 15th victory of this promotion-seeking campaign.

Sowerby, along with the home supporters, will be looking to see the side continue where they left off last week at Middlesbrough where they emerged convincing 31-8 winners, and not squeezing home by the skin of their teeth, as was the case back in September when they won over in Cleckheaton.

That day was another of the Chris Johnson solo efforts, as he slotted over three penalties and two drop goals to edge a 15-12 victory to keep Huddersfield on course for a seven-game unbeaten run.

Since then, Huddersfield have lost just twice in the League, both to Kendal, while the sixth-placed Cleckheaton have had seven losses and two draws, most recently being hammered 47-0 at Westoe, and then suffering an even more disappointing 30-7 defeat at home last week to Hull.

“I know some of the Cleck boys and I think the wheels have dropped off a bit since coach John Bentley got the elbow a few weeks ago,” said Sowerby.

“They might be going through a bit of a hard time, and we would like to keep it that way, although I’m sure they are going to raise themselves because it’s a derby.”

Huddersfield are expecting to start with the same 15 which began at Middlesbrough last week, with the only real changes coming on the bench.

Gavin Rhodes, right, has just become a father for the first time, and he will probably start out on the sidelines, alongside Lee Paxman who will be the back cover in case James Mortimore, who took a bang on the head last week, is still feeling the effects.

“George Hinchliffe played in the second row last week and had an excellent game, and will definitely retain his place,” added Sowerby.

“Last week we started to keep the ball alive and we quickly dulled their enthusiasm with two early tries, and we shall be aiming to do the same tomorrow against Cleck.”

Huddersfield: McLaren, Shaw, Paxman (B), Mortimore, Collins, Johnson, Clayton; Stringwell, Davies, Howard, Sharpe, Hinchliff, Pratt, Whitehead, Sowerby. McPhail, Rhodes, Paxman (L).