WHARFEDALE are targeting another five points this Saturday as prepare to play Preston Grasshoppers, another of National League Two North's struggling teams.

The Greens racked up seven tries en route to a dominant 49-12 win against Scunthorpe at the Avenue last Saturday.

"We got five points in the league and to take maximum points in a game is a bonus," said Wharfedale head coach Jon Feeley.

Although results elsewhere meant that the Greens did not increase the gap above the drop zone, it has meant the five points has brought a lot of teams into reach above.

"The results last weekend didn't go to form at all, as Huddersfield won at home to Fylde and Luctonians won away at Chester.

"It just shows how strong the league is. Every team is capable of beating each other if they are in form."

Feeley was extremely pleased with how well the Greens played against Scunthorpe.

"The game was effectively over as a contest by half-time," he said. "By putting the game away early it gave the younger players a chance to get some extended game time."

Coming off injuries, Chris Walker got his first start and Harry Bullough came off the bench for 20 minutes after a lengthy lay-off.

"Both players made great contributions to the game," said Feeley, who was also buoyed by the performances of half-back pairing Sam Gaudie and Jack Blakeney-Edwards.

"They controlled the game and moved us around the field well. Jack also had a very skilful kicking performance, kicking seven of seven conversions in a very strong wind."

Feeley also said the game was particularly poignant for Joe Altham, who was playing in his first home game since making his 100th appearance for the club.

As Wharfedale get ready to play at second from bottom Preston Grasshoppers this Saturday, the Greens will be brimming with confidence but will also be looking to improve.

"Their confidence will be high," said Feeley. "But they were also disappointed to concede points against Scunthorpe last Saturday. We've had some strong defensive performances but the players are looking to narrow the gap even further."

Feeley anticipates Preston will be a very dangerous opponent, as they are coming off a narrow 11-10 loss at Sheffield Tigers and have seen the gap widen between them and the teams above them in the National League Two North table.

"Preston will be absolutely desperate to make an impression, as they know they need league points," said Feeley. "They are an extremely physical team, but we've beaten them in our last three encounters by matching them physically and moving the ball quickly against them."

Feeley says he hopes this Saturday's game, which kicks off at 2.30pm, will see the return of Josh Burridge from a calf injury and Jamie Brookes, who suffered a back injury in the warm-up against Scunthorpe. Both players will receive treatment and have a fitness test in training this week.