NELSON boss John Bailey's reaction to hearing his side had been drawn against NWCL Division One high-fliers Clitheroe in the FA Vase was quite a few unprintable words!

The NWCL Division Two promotion hopefuls have come through three rounds so far - beating Norton, Garforth Town and Louth United - to reach the second round of the competition.

And now, on Saturday November 10, they will face Lee Sculpher's side, who reached the semi-final of the competition last season and are in Vase action for the first time.

"It's not an ideal draw," laughed Bailey once he had got over the shock of yesterday's news.

"I would rather have a four hour trip than that! That is a very tough draw.

"Obviously we'd have rather had a home draw as well but we will just go there with an open mind and see if we can get a result."

The departure of four players has rocked Nelson - Kiko Rodriguez has gone to become manager of Burnley United and Scott Gizon, Craig Heffernen and Craig Whittaker have gone with him.

But the Blues have snapped up Barry White from Ramsbottom United and the frontman responded with three goals in the victory over Louth.

"Barry is not quite match fit but he did really well," added Bailey. "We have three or four irons in the fire for this week - and we might need them now!"

A cash prize of £400 is on offer to the winners but Clitheroe will have their mind on league matters tonight when the second placed club welcome fourth side Salford City to Shawbridge in an important clash. For his part Sculpher was happy with the draw.

"I know it is an old cliche but all you can ask for is a home tie," he said.

"With it being a local derby it will add a bit extra to the game and they will want to prove a point against us after what we achieved in the competition last season.

"I am just happy that we avoided the bigger teams like Bedlington Terriers who always seem to do well in the Vase."

Vase holders Taunton Town start their campaign at Andover after receiving a bye into the second round.

In the UniBond League Cup, Rossendale and Chorley are in action tonight in the group stages.

The Magpies have won one and lost one of their group matches so far while Rossendale have lost both their Cup games. Both sides, along with Premier outfit Accrington Stanley, are in Group Four.

Jim McCluskie's side have a tough trip to First Division rivals Marine while Chorley make the short trip to Division One title chasers Radcliffe Borough.

In the other games, North West Counties League First Division side Great Harwood travel to Atherton LR looking to put behind them a 5-0 loss to St Helens on Friday night while Ramsbottom are at home to Newcastle Town.

In Division Two, Bacup are at home to bottom club Castleton Gabriels, who have won just once in the league this season.