any rash predictions as he prepares to lead his side into Worsley Cup semi-final battle with Ramsbottom today – but he admits he has had enough of cup heartache.

Sutcliffe’s men welcome Jon Fielding’s Ramsbottom to Centre Vale in the last-four corker looking to end their pain in the competition which has seen them finish as runners up three times in the past six years.

That run included final defeats to Ramsbottom in 2005 and 2009 – and while Tod are third in the all-time list of Worsley Cup winners with eight successes, Sutcliffe said: “I have had enough of heartache in the final.

“I have played in all three of the losing ones and, yes, I would like to go that one step further.”

Since the 25-year-old replaced Simon Newbitt as Centre Vale skipper earlier this season, Todmorden have gone on a stunning run of 13 matches unbeaten in all competitions.

That run has seen them surge to the top of the Lancashire League – but that run of form will be put to the test this weekend as Sutcliffe took his men to reigning champions Ramsbottom this afternoon before the eagerly anticipated semi-final at a packed Centre Vale.

“It is a big test,” added Sutcliffe. “Ramsbottom are a formidable team as their record shows and they have some match-winning players. They were triple champions last year and we will have to play our best cricket.

“I don’t want to start saying what we can or are going to do – but we have a good team here at Tod.

“And if we are on form then we can beat anyone as our recent run shows.

“There is no master secret to the run – we have been perfor-ming well and the professional Qaiser Abbas is performing so well, taking wickets and scoring runs.

“It is a weekend to look forward to.”

Ramsbottom are back on track after a sticky spell that saw them lose their lead of the table and are full strength for the trip.

The other semi-final is equally eagerly anticipated with Church hosting Nelson.

There is extra spine in that game as it marks the first return to West End of Nelson professional Luke Woodcock, who spent the last two seasons as Church professional.

The New Zealand one day international ace is relishing that clash – and Nelson are gunning for revenge on Craig Fergusson’s men after their proud winning run was brought to a shattering halt at Seedhill last Sunday.

Tom Lord’s outfit had won 12 games on the bounce in all competitions until Church pro Saeed Anwar hit a blistering ton to take the game away.

The tie is also a repeat of the 1974 Worsley Cup final, a game won by Church – the only time they have lifted the trophy.