COLNE manager Nigel Coates has heaped praise on opposite number Steve Wilkes. But he hopes the Padiham boss isn't celebrating success tonight.

Colne travel to take on the North West Counties Division Two leaders in the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy (kick-off 7.45pm) eager to earn a place in the second round and a possible tie with one of the local non-league giants.

Coates said: "Steve is an experienced lad so I expected him to do well with the mixture of what he had and what he brought from Darwen.

"I'm pleased he has got Padiham up there and doing well, and I would imagine they will be more than up for the game tonight."

Wilkes said: "It will be a measure to see how far we've come because, as everyone knows, Colne ran away with the Second Division title last year."

Padiham have a full squad to choose from with both Lee Webb and Steve Pickup available.

Colne will be without Paul Forsyth and Scott Gizon, while Gavin Cooper re-signed after a brief spell at Clitheroe but is ineligible for selection until the weekend.