WITH regular defender Phil Hodgson on a trip to America, Peter Smith says he will probably play his brother Steve Hodgson in the back three at home to Rossendale tomorrow.

The Kendal Town stalwart was a first team regular until he went out of the game with a serious knee injury two years ago. Now restored to full fitness he has played several games with the reserves and Smith said that giving him a first-team run out is in keeping with his policy of providing an opportunities for strong players from the reserves.

"Young Chris Park travelled with us to Eastwood, the first time he has been in the squad for some time, went on for the last 20 minutes and did brilliantly," said Smith.

"That win and the draw on Boxing Day means we are now in a good position and there is strength of depth in the side. Jamie Close is scoring well: he could have had a hat-trick on Saturday, and Jamie Sheppard was dazzling on the wing. The team also enjoys the support they get from the fans and committee. There is a great atmosphere at Parkside now and it was good to hear the crowd getting behind us when we came back from 2-0 down to get a 3-3 draw with Workington."

Although Kendal trounced Rossendale United 4-1 in the away game early in the season, Smith warned that they will be no pushover tomorrow in the Holland's Pies-sponsored match at Parkside, kick-off 3pm.

"They have been picking up lately and getting some good results," said Smith but added that the way Town are playing at the moment they can equal anyone in the division.

On Tuesday they will need to go beyond that, however, when they travel to Furness to face Smith's old club, UniBond Premier Division side Barrow in the second-round of the Marsden Lancashire Junior Cup. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

January 3, 2003 11:00