THE Wharfedale faithful are hoping that this Saturday’s visit to Scunthorpe might mark the end of their long win-less streak away from home.

With a victory, the threat of relegation from National League Two North, which has hung over the Greens since the first day of the season, would almost certainly vanish.

But Scunthorpe are playing for their lives at this level. Currently they are third from bottom and seven points adrift of security.

With only one win in 2017, against Preston Grasshoppers, Scunthorpe are finding failing to find form when they most need it.

When they visited The Avenue, back in November, Dale beat them 19-12 in a nervous encounter.

In history at least, Wharfedale have much in common with Scunthorpe. The Lincolnshire club was formed in 1929 and played its first fixtures in a field owned by a local farmer on the condition that the goal posts be moved after each game so that the animals could return to graze.

With Rob Baldwin suspended and Josh Burridge injured, the Wharfedale side is captained by George Hedgley who led last year’s successful Yorkshire Under 20s.

Adam Howard, having started games this season in the front and second rows of the pack, now moves into the back row to complete his set.

Wharfedale: Harry Bullough, James Tincknell, Tom Davidson, Jamie Guy, Scott Jordan, Tom Barrett, Philip Woodhead, Matt Close, Dan Stockdale, Toms Asejevs, George Hedgley, Richard Rhodes, Adam Howard, Jack Kitching, Lewis Wilson. Replacements: Jordon Poole, Ian Larkin, James Huck, Chris Swainson, Josh Prell.