RELIEF will be the keyword for Nestl Rowntree, who believe they can now halt an alarming dip in form.

The side who have dominated the West Yorkshire League premier division since their admission six seasons ago go into tomorrow's visit of Nostell Miners Welfare on the back of four successive defeats.

But they will at last be able to call upon two key players in Martin Cowl and Steve Ward, both returning to duty after serving lengthy suspensions.

The dual comeback would signal a rapid upturn in fortunes, insisted assistant manager John Reynolds.

"For the first time this season we will have a full-strength squad to choose from and with having several new players to gel into the team we always said it would be a while before we would get going," he said.

"We've not been able to name the same side two matches in a row so far this season. Having Cowl and Ward back will be a big boost.

"You can put Martin in any position and you know he will give you 100 per cent, while Steve will always get you goals.

"We are hoping we can pick up from here on in."

In contrast WYL rivals Knaresborough Town are on the crest of confidence enjoying life close to the top of the rankings.

But there renaissance will be fully tested even though tomorrow's visitors Wetherby are struggling at the other end of the table.

"It's a derby match and that always adds a bit of spice," declared Knaresborough club secretary Ian Pickles.

Town will have a full-strength squad to select from with midfielder Darren Clifford expected to have recovered from a knee injury that forced him out of training in midweek.

York RI are also anticipating a tussle for local pride with a division one clash at home to Tadcaster Magnet. The hosts have no injury worries enabling manager Paul Clamp to name an unchanged side as he continues the building programme aimed at success next term.

In the Northern Counties East League premier division Selby Town travel south to Sheffield.

The clash will prove a severe test of the Robins' recovery powers after they suffered an extra-time defeat to league rivals Pickering Town in the FA Vase last week.

Likewise, Tadcaster Albion have to dust themselves off from squandering a 2-0 lead to Hatfield Main to bow out of the Vase when they entertain Maltby Main with NCEL first division points up for grabs tomorrow.

Updated: 11:44 Friday, September 28, 2001