Kells will be looking to close the gap on the two clubs ahead of them when they resume their National League Division One programme tomorrow.
They entertain bottom side Oldham St Anne’s who have lost all four games so far, while Kells sit third with just the one defeat in their four-match programme.
That came at Egremont on opening day and since then they have gradually found their stride to sit behind the 100% pair Dewsbury Celtic and Wigan St Patrick’s.
Peter Smith, the Kells head coach, joked: “I didn’t think we had as many jockeys,” as he contemplates going into action without players who are at the Grand National.
“Even so we will have out a decent side, unlike last year when we were unable to replace properly when we had lads missing.
“The lads coming up from the youth teams have done really well,” he said.
Leaders Dewsbury Celtic entertain Egremont Rangers who would have included Aaron Turnbull after his release by Whitehaven but he is away this week-end.
Kristian Tyson has back issues; Kieran Glenn is awaiting an MRI scan and James Messenger pulled-out of training on Thursday with a recurrence of a hamstring injury.
Coach Danny Barker has made a number of changes with Jack Stainton coming in for Tom Houghton on the wing while Sam Williams comes off the bench to start at centre in place of Jack Conway.
“Frazer McNee comes back in after missing the Stanningley game while Harry Lanby makes his first appearance after recovering from a broken hand,” said Barker.
Jack Pae, Cain Sharpe and Dillon Scott all come in on the bench.
Wath Brow Hornets coach Ian Rooney has delayed team selection ahead of the trip to West Bowling in the Premier Division due to one or two fitness checks and unavailabilities.
Rooney has been happy with the progress being made by his team, which is in transition this season with a number of younger players establishing themselves in the side.
They lost two tough games to start with but have followed up with wins over Lock Lane and York Acorn to sit fifth in the table.
They are on the same points as West Bowling who have a minus eight points differential in eighth place.
