PAUL Goodwin insists his Staffordshire side must emerge from their Minor Counties Eastern Division match at Cumberland with a win if they are to challenge for the title.

Goodwin, who last weekend led his side to the final of the Knockout Trophy, to be held later this month, takes his side to Barrow tomorrow (11am) after drawing their opening two championship fixtures against Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

Those results left Staffs in sixth place, 27 points behind leaders Buckinghamshire, with four matches to play.

"After two draws, it is obvious we need a win if we are to stand any chance," said Knypersley wicketkeeper-batsman Goodwin.

"You need at least three wins and good bonus points from the other three matches.

"We have played well in the two games and the cricket we are producing has been positive, so the title is not beyond us. There is nothing in Cumberland's side to concern us – as long as we play to our full potential."

Staffordshire, who are without key all-rounder Mo Sheikh for their three-day fixtures because of business commitments, have included veteran Kim Barnett once again after his excellent performance in the draw at Norfolk last time out.

Barnett, playing as a late replacement, hit 51 in the first innings at Manor Park, before making 126no in the second during a Minor Counties fifth-wicket record stand of 300 with Wombourne captain Liam Hughes, who made 184.

Hughes's effort was the highest score by a Staffordshire debutant and he is included in the 12-man squad, along with brother Alex, who also made his first appearance at Norfolk.

Fellow Wombourne batsman Karl Quiney also returns after recovering from a hand injury which kept him out of the last championship fixture.

Staffs are without seamer Craig Barker, who is being rested ahead of the one-day final on July 22 to protect a back injury which has been causing him problems.

Barker's absence sees a recall for Longton's Dave Edwards, who has recovered from a hamstring complaint.

"It is good to have Eddy back. He has been unlucky with injuries, but he is a quality bowler," said Goodwin.

"Craig is too good a player for him to miss the final, so we need to give him every chance to be fully fit."

Former Bignall End professional Marcus Sharp continues as the Cumberland three-day captain, while Gary Pratt is probably their most famous name.

He shot to fame after running out Australia captain Ricky Ponting in the 2005 Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, while acting as a substitute fielder.

Staffordshire squad: Paul Goodwin (captain, Knypersley), Peter Wilshaw (Longton), Karl Quiney (Wombourne), James Dawson (Stone SP), Kim Barnett (Knypersley), Liam Hughes Wombourne), Ben McGuire (Nottinghamshire Academy), Greg Willott (Norton), Russ Ballard (Stone SP), Will Purser (Heywood), Dave Edwards (Longton), Alex Hughes (Wombourne).