It will be the first time OEs have returned to the scene of their memorable 19-14 Play-off win in May 2017 which secured their place in National One for the first time.

And while the Elthamians captain, who also led the side that afternoon, is looking forward to locking horns with Sale again, he insists the Play-off win will have no influence on Saturday’s clash.

“I have very fond memories of playing that day at Heywood Road,” he said, “it’s a day I will never forget. “But that first meeting will have no bearing on this weekend’s fixture. I’m not sure how many of our guys were involved in the Play-off game and obviously have no idea about the turnover in their squad. But we have to treat it as a clean slate in terms of tactics.

“We are certainly expecting a high level of physicality and organisation from them. We have watched quite a bit of their previous games and, like us, they like to play so I think it should make for an excellent spectacle. The set-piece is going to be crucial and I suspect the winner of that battle will come away with the spoils.”

Barton added: “Although there is much less on the line this time round, I am still very excited at the prospect of going there. It’s a very friendly and welcoming place to play and they have excellent facilities so certainly one of the highlights of the National 1 calendar.”

The Elthamians skipper is likely to be one of eight survivors from the Play-off victory that line up again at Heywood Road tomorrow. The Old Boys have been forced into a major reshuffle as their appalling run of injuries shows no signs of easing up.

A staggering 23 players are currently sidelined through injury which Barton admits is putting a major strain on resources. But he remains optimistic that the strength in depth in the squad gives opportunities for players knocking on the door of the starting line-up to stake their claim for a first team shirt.

“We aren’t having much luck on the injury front at the moment,” he admitted. “We have fantastic depth in the squad and that is certainly being put to the test now, but my job is made much easier by having a large squad of players who all know how we are trying to play and are clued into all of the systems and structures we have in place.

“Motivating players is far from a problem as everyone who comes into the side is desperate to make a mark and keep the shirt. Hopefully the on-field success keeps the injured players motivated to get back involved ASAP. Fingers crossed we can keep the run of good form going.”

Despite the injury problems, Elthamians secured their fourth win in five National One games last Saturday with a hard fought 34-27 triumph over Birmingham Moseley. “We try and keep things as simple as possible and stick to what is working for us,” Barton explained. “We have a huge emphasis on doing the unseen work, safe in the knowledge that if that is getting done the fancy stuff just falls into place. Everyone has bought into that and it has paid dividends so far. Long may it continue! It will become even more critical as the weather gets worse and worse.”