THE top two in the Lancashire League collide tomorrow – and the captain of the reigning champions Ramsbottom reckons his side will be even more focused after their 20-match winning run was ended last time out.

Jonathan Fielding’s men strolled to the crown last year and started the campaign like a house on fire with four straight wins as they looked to retain their title.

But they were beaten by Lowerhouse a fortnight ago leaving Fielding in the unusual position of having to rally his troops after a loss.

“I suppose it is a bit strange after the last year or so,” said Fielding. “But fair play to Lowerhouse. They are a good side and they were the better side on the day.

“But if anything I think the defeat may have done us some good in an odd sort of way.

“We were not getting complacement, far from it, but when you are winning 20 games on the spin maybe you think you can win any time.

“The Lowerhouse loss will have given the lads a kick up the bum and now we have to get going and start again.”

Fielding knows it will be a tough game against Accrington, who won the title for the two seasons prior to Ramsbottom’s success last year, but he is relishing the big match atmosphere.

“They are a good side,” he said. “Their professional is in top form and Graham Lloyd is back in form and scoring runs like we know he can.

“But with home advantage I hope that we can turn it on and go out and get the result.

“It is a big game for both sides – and that’s why we play cricket. You want to be involved in games like this.”