Joel Hughes’ team are in Middlesex County League Premier Division action on Saturday before a big cup game the following day

Joel Hughes has called on North Middlesex to get their winning habit back this weekend when they play two crucial fixtures.

The Park Road club will entertain Highgate in the Middlesex County League Premier Division first on Saturday before making the trip to Brondesbury on Sunday in the last four of the knock-out cup.

North Middlesex last won in the division on June 30 and were held to a draw away to Brondesbury last time out, but remain third in the table and in a strong place as a club heading into this weekend.

“If we were to finish third, the fact we would be a little bit disappointed shows how far we have come compared to a good few years ago,” said Hughes.

“The club is the most important thing and the seconds are 30 points clear at the top and the thirds are 11 clear, so if they can both win their leagues and we win the cup it would be great.

“We won’t take anything for granted though because we know Brondesbury have a number of really good players.

“The other semi-final is Richmond against Ealing, so we will take it one step at a time.

“We haven’t won for a little while in the league, so if we can get two wins over this weekend it will set us up nicely.”

North Middlesex’s run without a victory in the Premier Division was extended to two games last Saturday away to Brondesbury.

After losing the toss, Hughes saw his team put into bat on a wet wicket, but a solid effort all-round helped them post 278-9 declared from 62 overs.

Tom Nicoll (67), James Parslow (61) and Evan Flowers (40) got the majority of the runs to keep up their strong recent form.

And Hughes’ team seemed on course for victory when they had Brondesbury reduced to 114-6, but they could only pick up one more scalp as the hosts ended on 219-7.

Izhan Khan impressed again as he picked up 4-59 from 17 overs and North Middlesex will hope to get the better of their league foes on Sunday when they battle at Harman Drive for a place in the knock-out cup final.

Hughes added: “We should have good availability this weekend, so hopefully we can put a good side out for the semi-final match.

“If it is a level playing field and we can put in a strong display hopefully we can make it through to the final.”

Before visiting Brondesbury, North Middlesex will aim to get the better of struggling Highgate at home on Saturday.

“Hopefully we can get back to winning ways,” said Hughes. “I think with the timed games, it isn’t just about being the better side, you have to find a way to get yourself into a position where you can bowl teams out.”