Kells will be going into this weekend’s Copeland derby full of confidence as they sit on top of the National Conference League Premier Division.

They will face a tough test on Saturday as they travel to local rivals Wath Brow, who are also unbeaten in their two opening league games this term.

Only Thatto Heath separate the two sides in the league table, with all three teams on the same total but with Kells having the best points difference.

But coach Peter Smith is not getting carried away and is the first to admit that two games do not make a season.

He is just delighted with the performances from his side so far and the confidence that wins over Leigh Miner Rangers and Myton Warriors have given them.

“We’ve lost a few players this time through retirement and some lads turning professional but I think in one way it has unified us as a team,” said Smith.

“We decided that we needed to be more physical and fitter and we haven’t held back in pre-season. We’ve done a lot of fitness work and so far it has paid off. Looking back we scored some really good tries against Leigh Miners, it was what we had been practising.

“Then we went on to get a hard fought win over Myton at home. The conditions played their part in that game as they might do this weekend as the forecast is mixed.

“We just need to build on these performances and if we can improve that’s even better.”

Smith is aware that a local derby can throw anything up and he is under no illusions about the quality of the opposition.

He added: “If this game is anywhere near as exciting as last year’s, the spectators will be in for a treat.

“There was just three points in it at Kells and we drew at Wath Brow. We know they are a good side and they will be well drilled and well organised. But it is down to us to break them down if we want to win.

“We took confidence from the Leigh Miners win into last Saturday’s game at Myton and hopefully we can do the same from that win, taking us into this game.”

Wath Brow are going into the game on the back of a good win over another local rival Egremont Rangers last weekend, 25-0, and the previous week they held off the challenge of West Hull 18-12.

Wath Brow v Kells will kick off at 2.30pm on Saturday.