Nelson v Colne preview (21 August 1999)

21 August 1999

Nelson v Colne preview

Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Colne skipper Gary Laycock will happily support the title ambitions of keen derby rivals Nelson - on two conditions.

The first being that Colne take maximum points from the reigning champions in their next two games and the second that the men from The Horsfield have no chance themselves of adding the league trophy to the Worsley Cup they captured earlier this month.

Laycock readily admits it is a strange situation as he prepares his team for tomorrow's derby clash at Seedhill in the EW Cartons Lancashire League.

"It's interesting to say the least but, if we can't win the league, then I would like to see them do it again.

"They are a local side and it tells everyone that there are some good players around here," he said.

"But we are still in a good position ourselves to finish higher than we have done for a long time.

"If we can make it to the top three to go with winning the cup then I would be happy. So we need to beat Nelson.

"And our professional Joe Scuderi will certainly want to win."

Scuderi, of course, had a long spell as the highly-regarded Nelson professional before moving to Colne to revitalise their derby rivals. Having destroyed East Lancs' double hopes in the cup final, Colne could now inflict severe damage on Nelson's chances of retaining the title.

And the two sides meet again next weekend!

"We have to put ourselves first and, if we happen to beat Nelson, that's unfortunate for them," said Laycock.

"I don't want to finish mid-table and let it slip away after all we have done this season. We are aiming for the top three.

"We were poor last week and I was disappointed how we came back from winning the final. Perhaps the celebrations went on too long.

"Nelson will also be fired up tomorrow, these are big games and I think there will be a good crowd.

"They have to try and win every game and hope East Lancs slip up. But we know we have to keep plodding away too.

"We want to win our games as much as they do.

"I think the championship will go right down to the wire. "It's probably between the two of them but you never know. Everybody is capable of beating everyone else on the day."

So, after next weekend when local rivalries have been concluded for the season, Nelson will have one confirmed supporter from the opposition ranks.

But that won't be of any comfort to them tomorrow when Laycock hopes to lead his team to another major victory.

Derby games feature strongly on tomorrow's programme, though slight title favourites East Lancs make the trip to Todmorden.

Sunday's fixtures: Accrington v Enfield, Bacup v Ramsbottom, Haslingden v Rawtenstall, Lowerhouse v Burnley, Nelson v Colne, Rishton v Church, Todmorden v East Lancs.

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)