BAXENDEN have solved their professional problem and moved quickly to replace the absent Ather Abid ahead of this weekend’s Houldsworth Solicitors Ribblesdale League double header.

The early season leaders have been employing former paid man Babar Naeem so far this term after Abid’s arrival was delayed.

League rules prevent clubs hiring a sub-pro after the first four games of the campaign and earlier this week Abid informed the Back Lane outfit that his father was ill and he would have to delay further.

However, Bash responded by cancelling his contract and signed on Asif Iqbal, who will make his debut tomorrow as Bash play host to league new boys Brooksbottom in a game that has been switched from the Brox to Back Lane.

“He trained with us on Tuesday night and is keen enough and looks a good player,” said skipper Gary Sudworth.

“It’s good to have it sorted. Ideally you don’t want sub-pros and it is always a blow when your guy doesn’t turn up for whatever reason.

“But now we can move forward and build on a good start.”

Bash top the table and flexed their muscles to crush Padiham last week.

Sudworth was the star with both bat and ball as his side passed 130 before skittling Padiham for just 45.

The skipper reeled in a six-wicket haul in that collapse and added: “I can’t complain about my start to the season.

“We have been doing well but there is a long, long way to go.”

Sudworth isn’t sure what to expect against Brooksbottom and added: “I haven’t seen them but I have heard some good reports about them.

“People are saying to me that they look like they belong in the league so I am sure it will be a tough game.”

Earby skipper Pete Baistow led his side to a fine win over Brooksbottom last weekend and will look for another return tomorrow when he takes his side to Oswaldtwistle Immanual.

That promises to be an enthralling battle as two of the league’s most dangerous bowlers Andreas Sudnik and Danny Kegg lock horns.

Padiham skipper Callum Clarke misses out with a hand injury as his men play host to Edenfield in what promises to be a good game. Steve Meehan takes over the captaincy.

Whalley professional Saurabh Bandekar has arrived and makes his debut in the Station Road clash with Euxton.

Richard Palmer’s men suffered a bad start to the campaign but got off the mark last week when they beat Clitheroe.

Paul Gaskell’s men bid to bounce back from that loss when they head to Cherry Tree, who are without their skipper Mark Hadfield.

Veterans Jason Rawson and Pete Blackman once again line up for Salesbury as they host Great Harwood, while Read are on the road to Ribblesdale Wanderers and Barnoldswick travel to Settle.