CLITHEROE boss Paul Moore is expecting a tough game when he leads his Blues into battle at Burscough tomorrow – but he admits he wouldn’t want it any other way.

Moore’s men head into the festive period with 41 points from their 21 games so far and, with the trip to Bobby Langton Way marking the start of the second half of the campaign, the manager is aware that the ball is very much in their court.

The Blues are in third place in the Evo-Stik League First Division North ahead of the game.

Moore said: “To have 41 points at this stage is good and we’ll be in the play-off picture if we match that in the second half of the season.

“But there is a long way to go.

“Burscough is a tough place to go and we will need to put a shift in, as we have to do in every game in this league.

“We beat Garforth last week and they are a better side than their position in the table shows. There are many teams like that.”

The trip could also see Clitheroe facing their former player Jordan Williams, who moved to Burscough last month.

“Obviously we know Jordan well,” added Moore.

“I don’t know if he will play because we tried to get an agreement for him not to when he moved. But whatever happens it will be a hard game.”

Moore fielded a very much second string side in midweek as his men bowed out of the Doodson Sports Cup after a 4-1 loss at Farsley but will be up to full strength tomorrow.

Ramsbottom United are also in pre-Christmas action as they welcome Goole to the Riverside but Chorley have no game.

Bacup Borough booked a spot in the semi finals of the United Co-operatives Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy on Wednesday as they beat Daisy Hill 2-1 at West View thanks to goals from Daniel Cocks and Graham McKeown. They will look for another good day when they entertain Stockport Sports in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

In-form Colne face AFC Liverpool at the XLCR Stadium, while Padiham make the trip to Congleton. Barnoldswick Town’s game with Wigan Robin Park is off as the visitors are in FA Vase action.

AFC Darwen are on the road in the First Division as they travel up the M6 and along the A590 to face Holker Old Boys, while Nelson aim for a first win under Mark Fell as they head to Oldham Borough.