Despite the narrow loss at Carlisle LSH remain in third place in North One West. With Sandbach now 14 points clear at the top, the race for the play-off spot is becoming congested with five points covering the next four clubs. Significantly for LSH, Saturday’s visitors to Moss Lane, Vale of Lune, have played themselves into the reckoning and are now in fifth place just two points behind LSH.

LSH urgently need to rediscover their early season form and a tough encounter against their old adversaries from Vale would be a good place to start. In particular they need to value possession more; stop kicking aimlessly and take greater care to convert whatever chances that come their way during the game.

Martin Jones’s men will be boosted by the return of centre Dave Cunliffe from suspension and with Neil Hull and John Pape back in the frame there will be a healthy competition for places in the back line.

Further good news for LSH is that lock forward Mark Williams, who put in a powerhouse performance at Carlisle but left the field after taking a knock, is fine and will definitely be in the line-up on Saturday.

“The boys know they need to up their game” said Jones, “Vale are on a good run and starting from this Saturday, Phil Boulton and I are looking for that bit extra from all of them”.

John Williams