ANDREW Payne is a man on a double mission.

For the Baxenden professional is aiming to find his form to get the Ribblesdale League strugglers out of the doldrums - and secure another professional deal for himself.

The 22-year-old all-rounder is the first to admit that he has not produced the goods for the Back Lane side who have failed to deliver after finishing sixth last season.

And he said his shock release from county side Somerset, after making six first class and more than 30 Sunday league appearances, two years ago is still haunting him.

"I was on the fringe of the first team and helped the second team win its league convincingly. When I was released it was a real shock and I'm still trying to come to terms with it.

"The last two seasons have been difficult for me at Central Lancashire League side Middleton and now here. I know I have to try and find some form to secure another professional place. I would love to stay here but if not, I'm prepared to look elsewhere."

Baxenden, with just four wins to their name this season, have the unenvious task of trying to stop in-form Blackburn Northern.

Payne added: "We have been inconsistent all season but If we can raise our game there is no reason why we can't beat them." Fixtures, Saturday: Barnoldswick v Oswaldtwistle Imm, Blackburn N v Baxenden, Cherry Tree v Read, Gt Harwood v Whalley, Padiham v Edenfield, Ribblesdale W v Earby, Settle v Clitheroe.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.