Fylde go in search of crucial win

Fylde hope to make amends for last Saturday's defeat against Hull Ionians in the EDF National Trophy when they meet again in National Three North.

Winger Oliver Brennand and scrum-half Craig Aikman are both likely to return for the encounter.

"We've always made clear that our priority this season was the league," said director of rugby Mark Nelson.

"But we had no doubts about giving our players the chance to step up to the plate last Saturday."

Fylde are currently fifth in the table, six places ahead of this weekend's opponents.

And Nelson said his players are fully focused on avoiding another setback: "We plan to beef up the side this Saturday when we hope to see the return of back five players such as skipper Roger Banks, Oliver Atkinson and Sam Beaumont.

"I think that Ionians won't have quite their own way like they did on Saturday.

Preston Grasshoppers, ninth with only four wins from their opening 10 games, entertain Leicester Lions at Lightfoot Green.

In North Two West, Rossendale hope to continue their winning form with victory over New Brighton, while Blackburn travel to Wilmslow.