Field have score to settle against Yorkshire rivals
LOCKWOOD Park is all set for an early Christmas cracker tomorrow when Huddersfield host Yorkshire rivals Wharfedale.
In what promises to be a hardhitter of a derby in National League Two North, Field have old scores to settle in the two sides’ first meeting since Gareth Lewis’ team was on the end of a 43-5 drubbing at the back end of last season.
Field look to be a very different prospect to that which went up to the Dales last season, however, and are favourites for tomorrow’s clash.
Seven wins and seven defeats this season shows you never know which Wharfedale side you’re going to get, but they’re a team capable of big performances, something Huddersfield have seen first-hand.
“We believe we have prepared well for what will be a very tough game,” said Huddersfield head coach Lewis.
“Wharfedale have a number of strengths to their game and some excellent individuals.
“We’ve had a few new combinations in recent weeks, but we are beginning to gel once again are due a top performance this Saturday. Having Mark Pease back in the side is a huge boost to the team.”
Pease’s expected return to the side sees the player/coach slot into midfield alongside Lewis Workman in the one change to the team.
The man dropping to the bench is Joe Green.
Pease returning adds some muchneeded depth at a time where Field’s injury problems do look to be easing up.
However, they are still limited for numbers in the backs department, Will Milner’s absence for the Fylde clash saw Jack Maplesden cover at centre. Fylde .............................................. Otley ............................................... Sedgley Park ............................. Preston Grasshoppers ....... Wharfedale ................................ Tynedale ...................................... Sheffield Tigers ...................... Stourbridge ............................... Leicester Lions ........................ South Leicester ...................... Macclesfield .............................. Peterborough Lions ............. 1 5 380 301 79 0 5 312 288 24 0 7 409 371 38 0 8 369 390 -21 0 7 345 319 26 1 7 370 370 0 1 8 375 351 24 0 8 387 400 -13 1 9 334 363 -29 1 9 345 446 -101 0 11 259 446 -187 0 11 222 436 -214 Tom Owen and Ben Morrill, both long-term casualties, were able to return to training in the week and can look to the new year to be potentially competing for places in the team.
Tom Hodson, Kian Stewart, Lewis Workman, Mark Pease, Elliot Knight, Chris Johnson, Jack Maplesden; Harry Whitfield, Fran Entressengle, Alex Battye, Guy Borrowdale, Nick Sharpe, Liam Parfitt, Lewis Bradley, Dickie Piper (C). Replacements: Adam Blades, Ross Thornton, Bob Sykes, Joe Green, James Davies