DAVID Ormerod is ready to take charge at Accrington - and lead them up the Sponsorbank Lancashire League table.

The 38-year-old has become the new captain at the bottom club after Matt Wilson stepped down on Sunday.

And, although he is currently injured and Michael Horsfield will skipper in his absence, Accrington-born Ormerod is relishing the role.

"It is a great honour," said the medium paced bowler who won the Lancashire League title three times with Bacup.

"Matt stood down as he had just had enough.

"He has done a great job through some tough times and lesser men would have packed in a long time ago.

"But he has a young family and I think he wants to spend more time with them although he is still going to play.

"Michael Horsfield has taken over and then when I am fit, hopefully in two or three weeks time, I will take over the role.

"When the committee asked me, I snapped their hands off."

Accrington have just come through a torrid time with the club fearing for their future due to finances - although a package is now in place to save them - and are adrift at the foot of the table with just one win this season. But this does not faze Ormerod.

"I am confident we can turn it around," he said. "We still aim to finish higher than we did last season - ninth - and a couple of wins can mean we leapfrog teams.

"We are not even half way through the season yet and there are still plenty of games to play and we want to head up the league."

Ormerod's injury has been a big reason why Accrington are struggling this season.

He returned to his hometown club after a 15-year spell at Bacup last season and took 62 wickets.

But, in only the fourth game of this season, he tore his groin muscle while fielding.

"It was so frustrating," he said. "After all the training and bowling I have done, I fell over fielding. It isn't a pleasant injury and it was hard as I had really prepared well for the season and felt fit.

"And it is so desperate watching as you can't really help matters on the field and can't do anything.

"That's why I can't wait to get back playing again."

Ormerod was just one in a catalogue of injuries at Thorneyholme Road.

"We have had injuries to key players this season," said Ormerod. "Brian Heywood and Toby Bulcock, both new signings, have both had spells out and Adam Wilson is probably out for the season after an operation on his knee.

"These aren't just players who can play between the first and the seconds but are key players who can influence games.

"And the professional Nishit Shetty, by his own admission, says he hasn't had the luck this season.

"He has played in fits and starts. Last season he kept getting centuries but he admits he had some luck then.

"This season it isn't going his way as much but he is still a very good player and will bounce back."

Accrington suffered a double loss weekend with Bacup getting the better of them on Saturday - despite 72 from Mohsin Ahmed.

And, on Sunday, Church recorded only their third win of the season thanks mainly to openers Ruven Peiris (56) and Sagawat Hussain (59) in their 163 all out.

Horsfield and Shetty took five wickets each but then Peiris and Sam Holt got going with the ball and Accrington finished 48 runs short.

The day before, Church had a day to forget at title hopefuls East Lancs. They made just 74 in reply to East Lancs 220 - although Peiris did take another five wicket haul .

RISHTON remain in pole position, 18 points clear despite losing to last season's champions Burnley on Saturday.

Saeed Anwar took 6-52 in Burnley's 173 and, although Jon Cordingley (36) and Scott Greaves (35) threatened late resistance, they fell 34 runs short.

But they found their form on Sunday in their huge battle with second placed side East Lancs.

Greaves, John Seedle and Anwar shared the wickets as East Lancs fell 72 runs short of the 182 target.

ENFIELD have slipped down the league after a double loss weekend.

They finished 34 runs behind Rawtenstall's target on Saturday and will not want any mention of Sunday's clash as they made just 42 - pro Brandon Hiini top-scoring with just eight against Todmorden.

They will be aiming to bounce back as it is derby time this weekend with Church welcoming Rishton on Sunday and Accrington visiting Enfield.

l RETIRED batsman Mark Aspin is set to return for Church in the 20/20 game at Group A table toppers Enfield tonight. Enfield have won their three games so far while Church are still waiting to pick up a point.