DEFENDING champions Atherton Collieries face a battle if they are to become the first side to successfully defend the trophy after they were drawn in the toughest of the four first round groups.
Colls, who beat Charnock Richard 1-0 in the Reebok Stadium final just six weeks ago, have been paired with highly fancied Prestwich Heys for the second successive year, and will also have to overcome the challenge of Pennington, Bolton County and Eagley if they are to emerge unscathed from Group Two.
Meanwhile, neighbours Atherton LR seem to have a relatively simple task on paper if they are to overcome the nightmare of shock elimination last summer. They join Charnock Richard as favourites for Group Four, which also involves Blackrod Town, Radcliffe Amateurs and Ashton Athletic.
Last season's semi-finallists Hindsford from the Manchester League line up with local side Daisy Hill among others, while there is no local representation from Group 1.
The first match of the tournament takes place on July 27, with the top two sides from each pool of five making the knockout phase of the quarter-final.
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