Law brothers set for a duel

Athletic’s Josh Law taking on the Preston defence

JOSH Law could be involved in a duel with best man and brother Nicky tomorrow.

The duo, who have previously lined up against each other for Motherwell and Rangers respectively, will potentially feature on the same side of the pitch at Valley Parade.

Right-back Josh had the better of their two-legged duel 15 months ago, as the Fir Park outfit won a tense play-off 6-1 on aggregate to remain in the Scottish Premiership.

That contest was quickly followed by a New York City wedding for Josh (27), with Nicky (28) in charge of the rings.

The stakes are not quite as high this time. Bradford are hoping to build on a good start that has put them third in the table, while for Athletic it's a case of trying to round off a promising first month of league action.

"Up in Scotland it was huge for both clubs," said Josh, whose dad Nicky Snr will be in charge of Alfreton's Vanarama National League North game at Darlington tomorrow. "The build-up to the game was a little strange, as we had not played against each other before.

"But when that whistle goes, all you are concentrating on is the game itself. In that respect it is like any other game.

"We have both experienced it now, so we know what to expect."

Josh was taken to Motherwell before the start of the 2014-15 season by Bradford boss Stuart McCall, a man he has plenty of respect for.

He believes that the Bantams' good opening means this fixture will provide a decent indication of how far Athletic have progressed under Stephen Robinson's charge.

"Stuart is a really good guy and I am grateful to him for taking a chance in taking me up to Scotland," said Chesterfield-based Josh, a former Spireites trainee who was at Alfreton for six years before being picked up by McCall.

"He's a very good manager as well and I will no doubt have a chat with him and (assistant manager) Kenny Black at the end of the game.

"I imagine it will be a close one. They are a good side and will be up there at the end of the season.

"They have enjoyed a good start, but I don't think there is any reason why, if we keep on progressing, we can't be up there near to them.

"This game will be a good marker for us to see how far we have come."

Josh, who could be tasked with stopping the raids down his side of Nicky, is hoping to celebrate his move into a new family home next week by making it 2-0 in the battle of the siblings.

Not that their mum will be around to watch and wince at any potential 50-50 challenges.

"He played more centrally last time while I was on the right and I can't recall any tackles between us," added Josh. "If it comes to it, it will be like any other challenge.

"I am sure mum will be nervous, as she is for every game we are involved in. But she won't be there."