SUBSTITUTE professionals could hold the key to the outcome of tomorrow's crunch game at Liverpool Road where title hopefuls East Lancashire are looking to narrow the gap further on defending Transco Lancashire League champions Bacup.

East Lancs trail the leaders by just four points, despite being without the services of Brad Young since his return to Australia in the middle of last month.

Andy Clague's men have so far managed to line up suitable replacements with David Callaghan providing the ideal deputy when his Northern League commitments have allowed.

However, the South African is needed by his club tomorrow and Clague admits that finding a substitute is proving difficult.

The skipper said: "It's been a real pain to be honest. There are that many people you're trying to get hold of and at this stage of the season some pros have gone home.

"And this Saturday it seems that there are so many things on and every other league seems to be playing that it's been a bit of a nightmare."

Lowerhouse have been in a similar position after losing the services of the injured Jon Kent.

Former East Lancs man Claude Henderson has proved a match-winner on a number of occasions but who fills the breach tomorrow remains to be seen.

Clague rates Lowerhouse as a decent outfit and acknowledged that if Matt Hope's side can pull off a coup and field a top ranked paid man than East Lancs will have to be on their mettle to keep Bacup within their sights.

"If they manage to get someone who is world-class then that makes a difference," he said.

With this weekend's fixture list throwing up the first of three remaining double-headers, the title race is at a critical stage.

Given the upheaval caused by Young's premature return to South Australia for further treatment to a knee injury, Clague is happy to still be in with a shout as he looks to lead the Blackburn club to their first championship in 11 years after missing out by 10 points last summer.

He added: "It's quite pleasing, even though there are still seven games to go.

"It's certainly enjoyable. It's more nerve-wracking in the week beforehand building up to the game. Once you're on the field it's good.

"I tend to switch off from what Bacup are doing, although we've been picking up bonus points which they haven't which is very positive for us.

"We've got to make sure we keep doing the right things and keep going to the end, so hopefully we are still there or thereabouts going into the last couple of games."

Tomorrow's fixtures: Accrington v Colne, Bacup v Burnley, Haslingden v Enfield, Lowerhouse v East Lancs, Nelson v Church, Rishton v Ramsbottom, Todmorden v Rawtenstall.