Renno out to knock old club off their perch

The Brig boss spent many happy years at Shawbridge as a player and then later as the Blues’ joint-manager alongside Peter Smith.

Although he has been back to Clitheroe as a player and assistant manager since, this weekend will be the first occasion he has been in the opposition dug-out as a 
No.1.

Reynolds revealed that Clitheroe will always have a special place in his heart, but there will be no room for sentiment as he looks to claim three important points.

“It is obviously a massive game for me – it is the first time I have taken a team that I manage to Clitheroe,” said Reynolds.

“I have been there many times when I was assistant manager to Neil Crowe, but this will be the first time my team has taken on Clitheroe at Shawbridge.

“So it is going to be a special occasion.

“I’ve always had a good reception from the Clitheroe supporters, but hopefully I will be there to see my club Bamber Bridge pick up all three points.”

Reynolds rates Clitheroe as one of the best sides he has come up against this season after they routed Brig 4-1 at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium earlier in the season.

Simon Haworth’s men look a good bet to reach the NPL First Division North play-offs.

They currently reside in fifth spot – one point ahead of sixth-placed Colne and six better off than Brig, who are back in 11th position.

“They are probably one of the best sides I have seen this season,” said Reynolds, who missed Brig’s last two games against Glossop and Ramsbottom United due to taking a long-standing holiday.

“I like the way they play and the way their manager does things. They beat Ramsbottom 4-3 on Tuesday and they are a young side, who are exciting to watch.

“It’s going to be a really difficult game – they are up there in the play-off places.

“But we have got the experience of being in the play-off places and we’ve also got the experience of knocking people off their perch.”

But Blues boss Haworth is determined to eliminate Brig from the play-off equation with victory tomorrow.

“They’ll want revenge for that 4-1 win,” he said.

“They’ve still got a chance to get among it but it’s another team that we can eliminate from chasing us should we win.”

Barring Chris Marlow, Reynolds has a fully-fit squad to choose from, with Adam Dodd set to feature after missing the past couple of games with a calf problem.

Elsewhere, Burscough entertain Hyde and Kendal Town host Tadcaster Albion.