ATHERSLEY Rec host Worsbrough Bridge on Friday from 7.45pm in what they hope will be a well-attended and competitive Barnsley derby.
It will be the first league meeting since 2013 of the clubs who are the second and third highest placed non-league outfits in the town behind Penistone Church.
Rec are 19th in NCEL Division One with one point from their first six games while Bridge lost 5-1 at Nostell on Tuesday, with Harley Holt netting, so are 17th with three points from five.
The two managers Luke Forgione and Jimmy Whitehead were team-mates at Bridge.
Rec manager Whitehead said: “I was at Worsbrough for ten years as a player then a coach.
“We had ongoing battles with Athersley. They were always tough games. I was in the same team as Fudge and now we are both managers and both have coaching companies as well.
“There’s a bit of interest to see us go up against each other. We’d be hoping for a crowd of 350 plus. I’ve spoken to a lot of people who wouldn’t normally come to an Athersley or Worsbrough game who are interested.
“Worsbrough are a really good team. They finished ninth last season and I think they will finish higher this year.
“They are a better side than us at the minute, they have been together longer.
“We’ll be underdogs but a derby game is leveller. We have been playing well, despite the results, and hopefully a derby win could kick-start our season.”
Worsbrough boss Forgione said: “This fixture hasn’t been played for a while.
“I think I played in the last one myself. I don’t think many players have experienced it but both management teams have played in it.
“Both teams haven’t started too well and we’ll both be looking to win the derby and get some momentum.
“It will be difficult to go there and play in front of a decent home crowd.
“All the ingredients are there for a good game. It’s a little cup final.”
Rec picked up their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw at home to Rossington Main on Saturday.
Liam O’Brien scored an own goal midway through the first half then Jack Bennett levelled on 82 minutes.
They then lost 2-0 at Dronfield Town on Tuesday.
