LANCASHIRE wicketkeeper Luke Sutton has called for a repeat of last season's Roses victory over Yorkshire when the two sides meet in the County Championship at Headingley today.

The Red Rose county are in need of an urgent boost after a worrying start to the new season.

They were dumped out of the Friends Provident Trophy earlier in the week, while they sit just two points off the bottom in LV Division One.

And that means there are a few parallels that can be drawn between past and present.

Lancashire crossed the Pennines last season for the four-day fixture just five days after being dumped out of the Twenty20 Cup at the semi-final stage by Gloucestershire.

They also needed a win to keep alive any hopes of winning the County Championship.

And they proceeded to pulverise Yorkshire by an innings and 126 runs, with Stuart Law smashing a brilliant 206. If they ever needed a repeat showing, then this is the time.

Sutton, who is set to lead the side in the absence of broken finger victim Law, said: "It was actually a turning point in our season. We hadn't really been playing that badly, but we hadn't been hitting our straps.

"That game spurred us on a little bit. Let's hope that this game will do the same. A good win will do wonders for everyone.

"It was an excellent game for us last year. We started well and set the tone. We need to try and make sure that we do the same again."

Sutton was hurt by Wednesday's one-day batting performance against the Tykes when they were bowled out for 89 after winning the toss and electing to bat first in bowling conditions.

"We need to raise our game and there needs to be better performances all round," he continued. "Sometimes you need to get off to a good start to build confidence. For one reason or another we haven't got enough runs on the board.

"That has been the basis where we have tended to go wrong in both one-day and four-day cricket. I think that what can often happen is that people lose confidence, and it can be quite difficult to get out of.

"All it takes is a couple of guys to put their hands up and make a big contribution. Then people tend to follow."

Dominic Cork and Tom Smith could be back in contention to strengthen the bowling attack.