NO-ONE would ever expect Padiham or Colne to lift the FA Cup, but tomorrow could be the equivalent of their final.

The neighbours go head to head at the Arbories in the FA Cup Preliminary Round, with a £1,000 prize for the winners at stake.

"That kind of money is not to be sniffed at for a club like ours," said Padiham manager Steve Wilkes, who knows his side go into the clash as underdogs to their North West Counties Division One opponents.

"Colne play a division above us so it's important we go out, do our jobs and enjoy it - and hopefully with us being one of only two games in East Lancashire tomorrow, there will be a good crowd on as well."

As a player, Wilkes has fond memories of the FA Cup. The Storks boss scored two goals in a minute against Tow Law Town for Southport in the fourth qualifying round to set up a tie with then Third Division leaders Port Vale in 1980, and a special appearance on Match of the Day.

As a manager, however, it's been a different story. The former Darwen boss has only had two wins from nine matches in this competition - the last one, ironically, when Padiham beat Tow Law Town last season.

"As a manager, I've struggled. But hopefully my luck is changing," said Wilkes, who welcomes back goalkeeper Rob Batty from retirement in the absence of new signing Gavin King.

Meanwhile, Colne boss, Nigel Coates, said his team are under no extra pressure despite being tagged as favourites.

He said: "Padiham have had a good start to the season and have home advantage and we are expecting a real scrap. It should be a good local derby but we are under no extra pressure to win."

Coates said his team are nearly back to their best following Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Silsden.

"I was much happier with that performance and all we need to do is cut out the silly defensive mistakes and we will be back to our best."

Colne are without injured striker James Blackburn but Steve Cunningham is back.