BAMBER Bridge manager Tony Greenwood has slammed the LFA's decision to stage tonight's Marsden Lancashire Trophy final at Chorley's Victory Park.

Bridge face fellow UniBond Premier Division outfit Marine but Greenwood feels the whole competition has been devalued because the final is not being staged at a League ground.

"Without being disrespectful to Chorley, it's a scandalous decision," blasted Greenwood.

"The LFA have totally belittled the competition as far as I am concerned because the whole thing about finals at this level is not who you are playing, but where you play it.

"Some players may never get the chance to play on a League ground but this would have been a great opportunity.

"Instead, we are going to play on a ground which we could play on when we want.

"Darwen had the same problem last season and I had every sympathy with Steve Wilkes then. "And now I know how he feels."

Nevertheless, Greenwood is expecting a tough game tonight, despite the fact Bridge rolled over Marine 3-0 in the UniBond League recently.

"I think we caught them on a bit of a bad day but it will be a totally different game tonight.

"Marine are a physical, hard-working side and Roly Howard's added a bit of experience this season.

"But we are hoping to finish what's been an up and down season on a high note."

Loan man Lee Trundle is suspended tonight so Simon Burton is expected to return as his replacement.

Nelson can take another giant step towards promotion when they travel to Squires Gate in the FNWTL Second Division tonight.

And Colne are also in action at Oldham.

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