IT HAS been a bitter-sweet week for Padiham professional Ajay Sharma.

The Pakistan paid man writhed in agony after injuring his back in his side's victory over Whalley on Saturday and will be ruled out for an important double header this weekend as Padiham bid for a record third successive Jennings Ribblesdale League title.

But, on the plus side, Sharma may seal a deal to stay at the Arbories for next season after saying he wants to return.

"Ajay has said he wants to come back and we want him back so hopefully it will all be sorted soon," confirmed captain Andy McNicholas.

But they'll have to manage with a substitute pro this weekend as they welcome bottom club Oswaldtwistle Immanuel and then fellow title chasers Read to Padiham.

"We've got one or two irons in the fire which should be confirmed on Thursday but it will be a loss without Ajay," said the skipper. "He injured himself a few weeks ago against Great Harwood, aggravated it when chasing a second run against Whalley and then went to dive for a catch at full length and that was it.

"He was rolling around in agony and it was 20 minutes before we could stretcher him off. We won't hold dropping the catch against him though!" said McNicholas. "He went to hospital and they gave him some painkillers but he needs rest this weekend which is a blow as we can't afford to drop any more points."

Padiham are currently in third place, trailing league leaders Ribblesdale Wanderers by 11 points and second side, Cherry Tree, by seven.

Their double header is at home this weekend and that is more than welcome as Padiham play catch up.

"I'm glad we are at home," sighed the captain. "Our problems this season seems to be on our travels. We've beaten the likes of Cherry Tree, Ribblesdale Wanderers and Great Harwood at home.

"And then when we go away we've lost to Ribblesdale, Great Harwood and Read. There's no consistency and that has been the story of our season so far."

But there's no way Padiham are throwing in the towel just yet.

"We have eight games left, and some big games against Clitheroe and Cherry Tree. We've got ground to make up but if we beat Cherry Tree in a couple of weeks we should catch them and then it's just a case of hoping Ribblesdale Wanderers slip up.

"Read will be tough on Sunday. They've beaten us twice this season, in the cup and league, and both times somebody has got a century against us!

"We may be without Ajay but the reason we've won two titles is because of our amateurs. We have never been a one man team so although the loss of Ajay is a disappointment, if we play to the best of our ability, then I'm confident."