BIG Vince Overson could be coaxed out of retirement to make a surprise return for Padiham in the Worthington Challenge trophy clash against Kidsgrove.

Arbories boss Graham Howarth sees the former Burnley hard man as a short term solution to the injury problems at the NWCL Division Two side.

And Overson could walk straight into the team to play Division One high-fliers Kidsgrove in the second round encounter.

Howarth said: "I've been talking to Vince and I am hoping he will make a return. But it is only a short term plan to help ease our injury problems."

Leg break victims Carl Parker and Jason Stubbs are still some way from fitness and to add to Padiham's woes, centre half Andy Lawson misses the game through suspension.

But Anthony McCluskey could be back after a knee injury.

Howarth added: "It is good for the lads to play a game like this. We can relax, forget about the league and go out and enjoy ourselves."

Meanwhile, Darwen are also looking forward to playing higher league opposition when they travel to Division One title contenders Newcastle Town.

Manager Steve Wilkes also has a selection headache with David Barnes and Neil Rhodes both doubtful while Simon Stevens and Anthony Keefe are unavailable.

Ahead of the third round tester, Wilkes said: "It's definitely a tough game for us as Newcastle are one of the better sides. But the pressure is off us and we will give it our best shot, as we always do."