CLITHEROE for once will be the underdogs when UniBond First Division leaders Radcliffe Borough make the trip to Shawbridge tonight in the first round of the Lancs FA Marsden Trophy.

The Blues, challenging for the NWCL Division One title, have been used to being the cup favourites - especially in the FA Vase after reaching the semi-final last season.

But they will be aiming for a trophy upset against Kevin Glendon's table topping side.

"It will be strange to be the underdogs," said boss Lee Sculpher. "But this competition gives us the chance to pit our wits against higher league opposition and see how we get on.

"I had Radcliffe watched when they played Accrington Stanley recently and they did really well.

"The main thing is to avoid getting hammered which is always always a threat against the higher league sides.

"It is a bit disappointing as we don't have a full strength side but I still think we will fancy ourselves to get a result."

The match will be settled tonight no matter what with extra time and penalties if necessary.

Missing tonight for the Blues is Carl Greenwood and Neil Reynolds, both out with groin strains, while Andy Taylor is injured and Lee Cryer, although he has resumed training, is still some way off.

"We have 11 fit players which is not an ideal situaion to go into a game like this but it will give some of the youngsters a chance to show what they can do."

The main dangerman for Radcliffe is former Rossendale hitman Jody Banim who has fired home 18 goals this season while they list former Manchester United player Mark Dempsey among their number.

While it's cup action for Clitheroe, Rossendale are in UniBond First Division action when they welcome Spennymoor to Dark Lane.

Dale have been boosted after securing their first win in four league game against Ossett Albion on Saturday.

"The win at home was long overdue," admitted boss Jim McCluskie.

"I think it has been six games since a home win and it's obviously disappointing because our home form was so good last season.

"But I could see from the reaction of the lads after the game how much it meant.

"And it's another home game tonight and we will be looking to do the same again.

"Spennymoor are a funny side. They have scored a lot of goals and conceded a lot but we have only conceded 13 all season so we will be trying for another clean sheet."

The injuries aren't yet easing at Dark Lane although Mike Smith has played a reserve game, Chris Willcocks is hoping to receover from an Achilles injury soon while Jerome Fitzgerald should be back in a couple of weeks. Keeper Mark Andrews has also started jogging as he bids to recover from a gashed leg.

Elsewhere Chorley make the long trip to Gretna desperate for a win after seven league games without a victory has pushed them close to the relegation zone.

Chorley are 16th while Gretna are just behind them and the Magpies will need the three points to give themselves some breathing space.

And Ramsbottom have a difficult game in the NWCL Division One when they visit third placed Prescot Cables.

The good news for boss Mike Kelly is that top scorer Russell Brierley is back from suspension although the Rams have won the last three games without him.