BILLY Stelling has again warned East Lancs that complacency stands between them and the Lancashire League title.

The South African whipped up a storm at Alexandra Meadows last season when he said that East Lancs did not deserve to win the championship. This season, he believes, the attitude has been better.

But he still considers his team to be too smug when they encounter some of the less illustrious teams in the league.

"There is still a strong element of complacency there," he said.

"We must eliminate that if we are to win the league.

"Against Accrington last weekend we struggled until the final over to reach a very modest target against a side near the bottom of the table.

"That's simply not good enough. We should be winning with 20 overs to spare in that position.

"Unless we correct this approach, we will suffer."

Stelling's team-mates should not lack motivation tomorrow for the travel to Bentgate for a clash with Haslingden, who went into the weekend as league leaders. Victory could leave East Lancs sitting pretty at the top of the tree tomorrow evening.

"I think Haslingden are a very, very good side," said Stelling.

"But we play better against better sides.

"It's good to face a challenge against a side that can play well."

The challenge though is to beat a team for which Stelling has the utmost respect.

"They are a team with no major weakness," said Stelling.

"If they had weaknesses, they wouldn't be where they are.

"They are better in the batting department. They have guys who like to play their shots.

"And they score fast. They can put together big totals.

"But our strength is our bowling so that should make it interesting.

"Haslingden have good bowlers too with Brad (McNamara) and Mick Tracey but the danger is definitely in their batting."

Another danger for East Lancs would be to allow Haslingden breathing space at the top.

The dominant team of the late 80s and early 90s, they are a club that knows how to win when given a sniff at success.

"If we lose this game they are suddenly a game and a bit ahead of us," said Stelling. "We can't afford that.

"We are in a nice position now and we want to stay in touch with the top sides.

"We must remain within striking distance."

Fixtures: Accrington v Burnley, Bacup v Church, Haslingden v East Lancs, Lowerhouse v Enfield, Nelson v Rawtenstall, Rishton v Colne, Todmorden v Ramsbottom.

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