SILSDEN are hoping talisman Craig Nicholls is back on Saturday as they bid to complete a hat-trick over neighbours Barnoldswick Town.

The Cobbydalers have already beaten their West Craven rivals twice this season, having won 4-0 away in the league and 5-0 at home in the county cup.

But those results came in an early purple patch for Andy Geary's men and they have struggled since to recapture that form.

Nicholls was at the forefront of Silsden's good start but a thigh injury has sidelined him for the last month.

He could return for the North West Counties League Premier Division derby at the Angel Telecom Stadium and Geary would love to see him back in the fold.

The manager said: "Craig's absence has been a big blow for us. He was scoring and creating goals before his injury and had adapted very well to this league after stepping up to join us this season.

"In the four or five games he's been out, it has shown how much of an influence he was having. Chances seemed to have dried up.

"He is due back in training with us this week after having his last physio session and we hope he will be in contention."

The return of Nicholls could provide a spark following three defeats on the trot, including a disappointing county cup quarter-final exit at Garforth Town.

Their latest loss was at perennial bogey side Runcorn Town last Saturday when Geary admitted his side lacked quality in the 3-1 reversal.

He said: "In my opinion, they were the worst Runcorn side we've played in a lot of years but we were all at sea and had no fluency in the team.

"There was a lot of huff and puff but no return and we've got to put that right. I had hoped we would be at the 40-point mark by Christmas but we are only on 34."

Barnoldswick have lost players this season and are currently struggling just one place above the relegation zone.

Saturday's clash – which sees Aaron Hollindrake, who scored Silsden's goal at Runcorn, come up against a Barlick side he only left last month – is the first of three home games on the trot for Silsden.

With St Helens Town and Winsford to visit next, the period is an ideal opportunity to regain momentum.

Geary, who is still without injured skipper Danny Gleave, said: "Being at home on a long pitch suits us. We have a lot of young lads and they seem to revel playing on a long field."