Clitheroe vs. Leigh Genesis preview

Saturday afternoon sees Leigh Genesis on the hunt for a second successive victory when they travel to Clitheroe, though that is easier said than done with the hosts riding high in fourth position in the Evo-Stik League First Division North.

The last meeting between the sides came in November when Leigh took a 1-0 lead through striker John Lawless, now with Evo-Stik Premier League side Burscough, before conceding two goals shortly before half-time to finish up losing 2-1 at Crilly Park, while Leigh's last visit to Shawbridge brought a controversial 2-1 victory in October 2009 with two late penalties from Chris Thompson.

Since last facing Genesis, Clitheroe have lost ex-Leigh front man Mark Jackson to Evo-Stik Premier League side Kendal Town, though they still have ex-Leigh midfielder Gavin Lee-Ellison and former Lowton High School pupil Danny Williams in their squad.

After Tuesday evening's 3-2 home win over Trafford, Genesis boss Alan Kershaw is hopeful that the victory will bring renewed confidence to players and supporters alike.

"The football that we have been playing over the recent games has been very encouraging and it has taken time to get the players to believe in their ability as individuals and as a team. Tuesday was a very important win in many ways, not only for the players but also for the supporters and everybody involved with the club. I knew that we would win sooner rather than later because of all the effort and commitment everybody has shown over recent weeks. My reaction was of relief for the players because they now know whats it feels like to win and pleased that we could give the supporters and members of the club something to cheer as it's certainly been a long time since we have scored 3 goals."

Leigh have made several new signings in recent weeks and have worked well with the existing squad, many of whom are part of the club's Football Scholarship programme.

"I can only say that every player that has joined the club recently has shown commitment, passion and desire to help the club in theses difficult times on the pitch" says Kershaw. Midfielder Craig Carney, who only turned eighteen in recent weeks, was particularly impressive in Tuesday's victory, providing the pass that released Nathan McDonald to score Genesis' winning goal, and Kershaw is confident it will aid his progress. "Craig is one of the players that is on the Football Scholarship at LSV and will have a very good future in the game. He has also had work commitments to fulfill in a family business which has restricted his appearances in the squad but I have spoken with him this week and I'm hopeful that he will be available on a more regular basis."

Saturday's opponents Clitheroe are sure to provide a stern test, and Kershaw will have to cope with their threat without winger Ali Asgari, who suffered a recurrence of his recent hamstring injury, while player/coach Steve Brockley is still struggling with injury.

"Clitheroe will be difficult opponents as they are having a good season so they will be very confident. I'm hoping that everybody involved on Tuesday will be okay for Saturday, Asgari's injury apart."

If travelling direct to Shawbridge from the M6, leave the motorway at junction 31 and initially head for Blackburn. At the top of a short dual carriageway you need to bear left at the Swallow Hotel towards Clitheroe, soon passing the 2 aeroplanes on your right! Continue along the A59 and carry straight on at the roundabout instead of going left along the A671 into town. You need to turn left off the A59 at the next sign for Clitheroe - watch for the "Information" and "telephone" symbols. Now head along Pendle Road, across the mini-roundabout and you'll need to find a parking space once you see the postbox on your left. The ground itself is further along on your right behind the Bridge pub and the turnstile is up the narrow lane to the right of the pub.

Kick off is at 3pm, with admission at Shawbridge costs £7 for adults, £4 for over 65's and £2 for 14-17 year olds, with under 14's admitted free of charge if accompanied by an adult with kick off at 3pm. Score updates will be available at twitter.com/leighgenesisfc throughout the afternoon.