DARWEN boss Steve Wilkes has slammed the Lancashire FA's decision to switch the ATS Trophy Final to Chorley's Victory Park.

The Anchormen expected to be playing Morecambe in the final at Deepdale but LFA officials have had to change their plans because Preston North End want to protect their pitch.

But Wilkes has blasted the decision to move the tie to Victory Park and believes another Football League venue should have been sorted out.

"It's left a horrible taste in everyone's mouths and it's taken the gloss off what we've achieved," blasted Wilkes.

"I think we've upset one or two people by getting to the final, it's as simple as that.

"They say Preston are saving their pitch in case they're in the play-offs and I can appreciate that.

"But there are plenty of other grounds they could play the final on, like Ewood or the Reebok Stadium.

"This is a prestigious competition which has been going since 1885 and I think they've made a mockery of it.

"No disrespect to Chorley but it's not the same as playing it at a League ground. "I feel very, very disappointed for everyone connected with Darwen Football Club."

LFA secretary Jim Kenyon defended the decision to move the tie to Victory Park.

And he denied that the switch would belittle what Darwen have achieved in the competition this season.

"I wouldn't say it has taken any of the gloss off their achievements in any way, shape or form.

"Preston have indicated that they cannot allow us the use of their ground.

"They don't want the pitch being used in case they have to play in the play-offs. "Alternative venues have been discussed but it just isn't possible to put the game on anywhere else other than Chorley.

"We can't just walk on to another Football League ground just like that.

"It's extremely difficult to open up the grounds Steve Wilkes is talking about, because the costs are so high.

"But we've played finals at Chorley and at other grounds of a similar stature many times before.

"It's unfortunate, but they'll just have to get on with it and I'm sure he'll still have a good night."

Wilkes, however, believes it's an injustice. After seeing his side dispose of the likes of Accrington Stanley and Southport on the way to their first final appearance since the 70s, he feels his players have been robbed of their moment of glory.

"We are at the bottom of the non-League pyramid and there is no team lower than us in status who can get to the final of this competition.

"I think the players should be properly rewarded for getting there. "From the word go when we played away at Atherton LR in the first round, I've started off my team talks by telling the lads what a great competition this is to win and how they have the chance of playing at Deepdale.

"That's what we've been working so hard for.

"Some of the places we usually have to go to are absolute dumps, so it would have been brilliant just to walk out at Deepdale.

"It might be another 70 years before we get to the final again."

Meanwhile, Wilkes will add Paul Curley to his squad for tomorrow's trip to Daisy Hill.

And he has given youngster Andy Bright a massive vote of confidence ahead of the clash after the teenager was distraught following his sending off against Clitheroe in midweek.

"Andy's only 19 and he's still learning.

"In my eyes he was unlucky to get sent off and I certainly don't think he let anyone down."

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