JON BOWDEN will get a clear indication of how far his side has come over the past few years against one of the top sides tomorrow. Fleetwood Hesketh joined the Liverpool Competition in 2000, with the aim of making it into the Premier League. In 2004, they achieved that aim with Hightown but, while they went back down the following season, Bowden's men survived their initial season in the top flight, and face a stern test tomorrow in the shape of perennial title favourites Firwood Bootle. "Even though they did not win the league last year, you set your standards by them," admitted Bowden."Wehave alot of confidence because we did quite well against them last season. Idon't think they will be finishing fourth this year, though." Bowden rates Huyton, who have made a good startto the season, as one of those who could challenge for the league this year, while he will be content with earning a Lancashire Knockout place by finishing in the top six, and doing well in the cup competitions. Two seasons ago, Hesketh reached the ECHO Knockout final where, ironically, they lost out to Bootle, and the teams will also meet in this season's Premier Knockout final. Bowden went on: "I can't see us winning the title. Ithink we are a bit stronger this time, but I think a couple of teams are weaker. "We can win the ECHO this season, along with the Premier League final and the league knockout." While admitting life is "less stressful than last year when we were struggling," Bowden does have one major worry, though - how long will pro Mansoor Amjad be playing for the club. The young batsman and leg spinner, who only made his debut in last Saturday's win at New Brighton, is going for a trial with Leicestershire as possible replacement for Mohammed Asif, who has been called up into the Pakistan squad for the tour of England. Even if he does not get the job with the county side, Bowden is set to lose him anyway. He explained: "In July h egoes on the Pakistan 'A' tour to Australia. Then, we will just have to see what wecan do. Ifhe goes to Leicestershire then good luck to him. I wish him all the best." Meanwhile, Bowden feels his side are short of another attack bowler. "Paul Mullen has done superbly and taken wickets in his last few games, but we need someone to partner him." TOMORROW: Littlewoods Gaming Liverpool Competition Premier League: Fleetwood Hesketh v Firwood Bootle, Leigh v New Brighton, Lytham v Northern, Maghull v Colwyn Bay, Ormskirk v Huyton, Wallasey v Sefton Park. First Division: Ainsdale v Orrell Red Triangle, Formby v Northop Hall, Hightown v Newton le Willows, Prestatyn v Southport Trinity, St Helens v Liverpool, Southport v St Helens Recs, Wigan v High-field. | 
