CMB will be hoping for better derby fortunes when they make the short trip to Tempest United tomorrow.

In their previous game in the West Lancashire Premier Division, they were convincingly beaten 3-0 by Turton, and manager Rob Pennington believes it will be a completely different game at Tempest.

“It’s a completely different dynamic,” he said.

“CMB’s pitch is one of the biggest and widest in the league whereas Tempest’s is one of the smallest and narrowest.”

In the last meeting between the two, CMB comfortably won 5-1 and Pennington wants more of the same this time around.

“We beat them earlier this season because we outworked them,” he said.

“I want us to stick to our game plan, we’ve got to work harder, be hungrier and want the ball.

“We won nearly every first ball and if we didn’t win that then we made sure we won the second ball.”

When asked about the ambitions for the club for the rest of the campaign, Pennington spoke about the high standards he has set and what he expects from his players.

“For me, our target hasn’t changed,” said the CMB boss, whose side are 10th in the 16-team standings.

“Our target as a newly promoted team should really be third bottom. Staying up was our key objective.

“We are currently 10th in the division and I’m not happy about that.

“We’re only 12 points off the top of the league, it’s very tight and everyone is beating everyone.

“I’ve set a target for a top-five finish, that’s what we’re still striving for and that’s what the players need to aim for.”

After a comfortable 3-0 derby victory last time out, Turton, on the same points as CMB but a place above them in ninth with four games in hand, will be hoping to continue their recent run of form when they host Burscough Richmond.

Manager Craig Jones believes he is fortuitous to have such a talented squad and is confident in their ability to compete against any team in the league.

“I’m very lucky as a manager to have a group of lads that are probably technically better than most in the league,” said Tigers manager.

“If we can match everybody else’s work rate, we will win every game because of our ability.

“They’ve picked up a few points in recent weeks, they’ll come here and be in our face, they’ll be physical and very hard to beat.

“Obviously with the weather as it is, you’ve got to roll your sleeves up, dig in and do what needs to be done and that was the most pleasing thing against last weekend.”

And Jones shares the belief of CMB manager that the league is highly competitive and hopes his team can begin a climb towards the top of the table.

“The league is wide open and it’s going to be about who will be the most consistent from now until the end of the season,” said Jones.

“I feel like my squad is just settling down and come the end of the season that, at the very least, we will be in the top two or three.

“It will be a big ask but I’ve got the lads with the ability to do it so there is no reason why it shouldn’t happen.”

Fixtures - 3pm unless stated

BetVictor Premier Division: Witton Albion v Atherton Collieries

North West Counties League First Division North: Atherton LR v Nelson, Steeton v Daisy Hill

West Lancashire League Premier Division (all 2pm): Tempest United v CMB, Turton v Burscough Richmond. First Division: Croston Sports Club v Horwich St Marys Victoria, Haslingden St Mary’s v Eagley, Millom v Stoneclough.

Manchester League Premier Division (all 2pm): Rochdale Sacred Heart v Bolton County. Division One: Govan Athletic v Bolton Lads and Girls Club. Division Two: Hindley Juniors v Bolton United, Hindsford Reserves v Breightmet United.

Lancashire Amateur League Premier Division: Bolton Wyresdale v Old Blackburnians, Thornleigh v Old Boltonians, Valley United v Little Lever SC. Division One: Ashtonians v Blackrod Town, Horiwch RMI v Tottington United.