DEARNE and District are well clear at the top of NCEL Division One but due to host one of their main title rivals on Saturday in Harrogate Railway.

Dearne are 12 points ahead in first place and 15 clear of third-placed Harrogate who lost this week but have four games in hand.

The Goldthorpe club have won their last five league games.

Manager Zeph Thomas said: “It’s a massive game.

“It will be big for both teams.

“It’s important that we put in a performance and, if we can’t win it, we make sure we don’t lose it.

“Harrogate are a really, really good team.

“They have good quick wingers and they are well-organised.

“They know how to get results.

“They have lost a couple so will be up for it.

“We just have to be ready to withstand that onslaught then try to go on to win.

“We will keep doing the things that have got us in this position.”

Only one team gets promoted automatically this season with the likes of Harrogate and Wakefield trying to chase last season’s play-off finalists Dearne down.

“There are loads of games still to play.

“Teams have games in hand which might make it look a little bit different.

“We would rather have points on the board than having to chase games and having to win them all.

“We got our games played early doors so don’t have many midweek fixtures.

“We will have the chance to recover and train.”