ATHERTON LR entertain old rivals Bamber Bridge tonight knowing the Lancashire ATS Trophy represents their last hope silverware this season.

Both clubs are too close to the relegation zone in their respective Unibond divisions.

LR manager Dave Morris welcomes back Mark Stewart into midfield and new signing Mark Henshaw from Warrington Town but will still be without the suspended Paul Griffiths.

Striker Darren Royle has been cleared to play after initial worries that he may be cup-tied after starting the season with Radcliffe Boro. A large attendance is expected at Crilly Park for a game that kicks off at 7.30pm.

Atherton Colls' twice postponed NWCC Floodlit Cup quarter final away tie at Penrith goes ahead tonight.

Colls' management duo Steve Walton and Ian Lamb include recent signings Stuart Mellish from Droylesden and Gary Crompton from Leigh RMI in the squad to travel.

Centre back Andy Pendlebury misses through suspension and defensive partner Steve Dixon is still not quite ready for a playing comeback after a hernia operation.

RADCLIFFE BORO stay on course for a triumphant league and cup season after thrashing closest rivals Lincoln United last night.

Boro, eight points clear at the top of the Unibond League First Division from second placed Lincoln, stamped their authority on them with a 5-1 knockout show to reach the semi-finals of the Unibond League First Division Cup.

It could have been so different had Boro not cleared an early effort off the line before Brendan McDaid broke the deadlock for Lincoln when he headed home a 24th minute corner.

Boro were level five minutes later when Ian Lunt, back after a two-match suspension, latched on to a through ball from Jason Astley and fired past keeper Simon Waby who then pulled off two magnificent saves to keep his side in the tie before half time.

Waby then had a nightmare second half, first letting Lunt's header go through his hands then failing to stop an unconvicing 20-yard effort from Levi Edwards.

Waby's unpredictable display took another turn for the worse when he allowed David Bean's long punt to bounce over his head and Andy Graham gratefully knocked in an easy fourth before Jon Senior capped a fine night's work with a well struck fifth.

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