CLITHEROE meet one of the most formidable sides in non-League football in the next round of the FA Vase.

Bedlington Terriers have been Northern League champions for the last five seasons and reached the FA Vase final in 1999.

The two teams meet at Shawbridge on November 9.

Both sides have entered the competition at this, the second round stage, because of successful recent histories in the cup.

It will be a massive test for Lee Sculpher's side, who are no slouches themselves when it comes to this competition.

They reached the final in 1996 and the semi-final in 2001. They were quarter finalists last year and in 1998.

They would have hoped for an easier tie than this but Sculpher is sure to say that if you want to win the competition - and the Blues most certainly do - they will have to beat sides like Bedlington.

There is a massive expectation at Shawbridge when it comes to the FA Vase - more so than at Bedlington - but the North East side are used to winning games and trophies.

Their recent honours list reads:

Northern League Division One Champions 2001/02 (Record-Equalling fifth successive season)

Northumberland FA Senior Cup Winners 2002

Northumberland FA Senior Cup Runners-up 2001

Northern League League Cup Winners 2001

Northern League Division One champions 2000/01

Northern League Division One champions 1999/00

Northern League Cleator Cup Winners 2000

F.A. Carlsberg Vase Runners-up (at Wembley) 1999

Northern League Division One champions 1998/99

Northern League Cleator Cup Winners 1999

Northumberland F.A. Senior Cup Winners 1998

Northern League Division One champions 1997/98

Northumberland F.A. Senior Cup Winners 1997

Northern League League Cup Winners 1997

Northern League Division Runners-up 1995-96

Northern League Division Two Champions 1993/94

Clitheroe, who are currently third in NWCL Division One, do not have a game tonight.

Ramsbottom, however, are at home to Squires Gate (kick off 7.45pm) still looking for the first win of the new regime.

Joint managers Jimmy Clarke and Andy Grimshaw took over from Mike Kelly three games ago and have drawn two and lost one.

Squires Gate are seventh from bottom in Division One. The Rams are second from bottom.

Also in action tonight are Nelson and Bacup, who meet at Nelson's Victoria Ground (kick off 7.45pm) in NWCL Division Two.

Our local UniBond League first division sides take a break from the league tonight when they play in the League Cup.

Rossendale are at home to Droylsden and Chorley are at home to Bamber Bridge. Both are first round clashes.

Accrington Stanley, leaders of the UniBond Premier League and holders of the League Cup, are not in action until the weekend when they Frickley Athletic away.