Due to a waterlogged pitch at Stainton Park last weekend, Radcliffe Borough’s fixture with sixth placed promotion hopefuls Lancaster City was postponed.

The game-free weekend gave Kevin Glendon’s side plenty of time to prepare for this Saturday’s tough trip to local rivals Ramsbottom United in Division One of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

In what is traditionally a close affair, Boro head to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium in relegation trouble, sitting second from bottom in the league with just 19 points from their 26 games.

Glendon’s side have won just five league games this season, losing 17 times – the latest coming just a fortnight ago when, despite taking an early lead at Mossley through debutant Aden Wainwright – were eventually defeated 3-1.

Promotion-chasing Ramsbottom United go into the match in good form with just one defeat in their last 17 games.

The Rams, currently in seventh place in the league, have won 13 of their 23 games this season, losing just six, and are a massive 24 points better off than the Stainton Park outfit having played fewer games.

Last season saw the teams draw 2-2 at Radcliffe whilst the Rams won a close-fought game at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium on New Year’s Day 3-2.

Earlier this season the teams met at Stainton Park, and again the points were shared after a 1-1 draw.

With Radcliffe struggling at the wrong end of the table, and the Rams on a fine run, the odds are on a home victory. Derby games, however, have a habit of throwing form-books out of the window, and as local pride is at stake, this has all the makings of a closely fought encounter, in front of what should be another sizeable crowd.