IAN PILKINGTON hopes to go from hero to villain in the eyes of the Clitheroe faithful tomorrow.

The Blues fans will always remember the 33-year-old as part of the team that reached the FA Vase final in 1996 - the greatest moment in the club's history.

But tomorrow the 19-goal striker will be hoping to knock his old side out of a different cup when Padiham travel to Shawbridge in the semi-final first leg of the Worthington Trophy.

Pilkington has been suspended for the last two weeks so may have to make do with a place on the bench but he says he can't wait to get back to his old stomping ground.

"I have been dying to get back there ever since I left," said the Storks hitman. "It is a dream tie. When there was the chance we'd get drawn against them we were all hoping we would.

"I went back there the other night to see them play Skelmersdale and the reception I got was amazing.

"All the fans were shaking my hand saying they couldn't wait to see me next week. The fans there are brilliant.

"And I know most of the players, too. I played with Gary Rishton, Scully (player-boss Lee Sculpher) and Spenny (Neil Spencer) and I have got a bet going with Gary Rishton that I will nutmeg him so I'd better get on."

Pilkington has fond memories of his time at Shawbridge, not least of the FA Vase run that culminated in the Wembley final. He was injured that day so didn't play in the 3-0 defeat to Brigg Town.

"I also remember when we finished runners-up in the league in 1995 under Gary Butcher. We should have won the league that year.

"And I will always remember the fans, I have always had a laugh with them and they treated me well.

"They always chanted my name and never gave me stick."

Things are a little different at Padiham, who have only been back in the NWCL for three seasons.

"With no disrespect to Padiham fans, they are probably only used to watching West Lancs League teams so they are not so passionate but maybe in two or three years, if we carry on with the progress we have made this season, they will be."

Pilkington's goals have helped fire Padiham straight into the second division title race this season and they shouldn't be fazed at the prospect of facing first division opposition - they have already beaten Glossop and Congleton this season.

"It is difficult to say where we stand compared to first division sides. We have beaten two this season but in cup comps anything can happen.

"This semi is over two legs so that is possibly going to work against us but we will just go there tomorrow and try to win, obviously, but if we can't win try not to get beat or not get beat by too many.

"Because we are very confident at home - we have only lost one game at home this season so we fancy ourselves against most sides."

Pilkington's chances of starting the game are good as new striker Carl Howarth is cup-tied.

Clitheroe are still reeling from their shock exit from this year's Vase a fortnight ago but will see the Worthington Trophy is their best chance of silverware.

Manager Lee Sculpher said: "The league is now out of our hands so we are hoping Prescot slip up. But if they don't, this is definitely our best chance of silverware this season."