RADCLIFFE go into their penultimate Central Lancashire League match of the season at Littleborough on Saturday resigned to finishing bottom.

They were hoping to boost their chances of escaping the wooden spoon with a win against Heywood on Sunday, but the rain put paid to any chance of a result.

Professional Usman Tariq, who had an outstanding match in the reverse fixture at Radcliffe three weeks ago, was also unavailable through illness, but is expected to return for the trip to the Rochdale club.

Player coach Chris Berry, who had been upbeat about chances of a victory, said: “The rain and circumstances at Heywood were gainst us, and we have to accept now that we are probably going to get the wooden spoon.

“But we will go to Littleborough in a positive frame of mind and do our best to get a result.

“They have two excellent spinners which caused us many problems last time we played them, and they are sixth in the league.

“But with Usman back in the side, anything can happen.”

Radcliffe, meanwhile, are looking forward to their appearance in the Lyddon Trophy finals on Sunday, September 19, at Little Lever Cricket Club.

They start of the day at 10am when they face fellow semi-finalists Daisy Hill.

If they can progress, they face the prospect of playing either Walkden or Westhoughton, who both play in Bolton League.

“It’s going to be a great day,” said Berry. “We’re just hoping lots of local people will make the short journey to Little Lever to support us.”