Five points separate five teams chasing Carlisle at the top of North Lancs Cumbria.

The city side have a nine-point lead and have looked the stand-out side so far under new head coach David Stout.

But in behind, they are stacking up in what promises to be a close-run battle for honours.

Aspatria currently hold down second place on 41 points but they have played a game more than their pursuers – Bolton (38), Fleetwood (38), Wigton (37) and De La Salle (36).

Wigton’s game in hand is actually at home to Bolton while Fleetwood v De La Salle is also to be re-arranged.

There’s also a big weekend in prospect before the clubs sign-off for Christmas on December 17 as Wigton host Aspatria and Bolton entertain Fleetwood.

But first things first and that should see the five teams in contention all adding another win to their credit column with home fixtures.

Aspatria host Trafford; Bolton have Oldham as visitors; De La Salle entertain Littleborough; Fleetwood are at home to Aldwinians and Wigton have a derby clash with relegation-threatened Silloth.

Bonus points are likely to play a part in the final League standings, so all of the contenders will be going all-out for maximum points tomorrow.

Leaders Carlisle visit another of the strugglers, Upper Eden.

For Workington, it was disappointing to lose so heavily at home to Aspatria last week but the absence of key backs didn’t help their cause.

They are off to the south of the county tomorrow to take on a Hawcoat Park side who got nearer to Carlisle last week than the 46-13 scoreline indicates.

The Zebras will know they are going to face a powerful pack and much will depend on how strong a squad they are able to send.

In North One West, St. Benedict’s have a visit from Blackburn and the Cumbrians will be hoping to get in a full game of rugby.

Two weeks ago, their home game with leaders Birkenhead Park was postponed because of the state of the pitch.

On Saturday, they went to second-placed Wilmslow and, after 60 minutes, the match was abandoned due to fog. They trailed 37-0 at the time and that result will stand.

Blackburn lie fifth in the table, nine points and two places better-off than Saints.