CHORLEY are anticipating a bumper crowd for tomorrow’s big Evo-Stik League Premier Division clash at home to FC United of Manchester (3pm).

But Garry Flitcroft, manager of the table-topping Magpies, has warned it may not be a spectacle.

Both sides are renowned for their passing football but the Victory Park pitch could make it difficult for the north-west rivals to get the ball down and play.

“FC United are a team that want to play, as do we, but we’ll have to see what the weather brings,” said Flitcroft, whose side ground out a 2-0 home win over Frickley Athletic in midweek to move five points clear at the summit.

“The pitch is poor at the moment and sometimes you have to play percentage football.”

Meanwhile, there will be some familiar faces at Ramsbottom United’s Harry Williams Riverside Ground tomorrow for their First Division North encounter with Harrogate Railway Athletic.

Chris Standring, the secretary of the Rams’ youth set-up, has organised a get-together of a group of former players who will gather in the club’s new hospitality suite to reminisce about the good old days before watching the current crop of players attempt to cement their spot in the play-offs.

“We will have the majority of the Rammy team from the late 80s to early 90s there,” said Standring, himself an ex-Rams player.

“It started with Phil Rainford arranging a drink for the lads around his job, so after suggesting we all get together this Saturday it has taken off.

“Ex-players due to attend are Martin Hulme, Pete Jackson, Phil Wheelhouse, Steve Round, Tony Heslop, Paul Ryder, Julian Ferrier, Ian McNally, Tony Coulson, Ian West and Andy King.

“Also ex-manager Dave Oldfield has agreed to join us.

“We are hoping everyone turns up as there is a good team of Rammy vets there.”

Clitheroe are at home to New Mills while Padiham make the trip to Kendal Town.

Bacup and Rossendale Borough face a crucial North West Counties League Premier Division encounter at home to fellow strugglers Squires Gate.

Barnoldswick Town host high-flying Bootle while Colne make the trip to Norton United, another side who have designs on the championship.

First Division leaders Nelson make the trip to Oldham Boro.

AFC Darwen also hit the road with a visit to Northwich Flixton Villa.