ATHERTON LR will be hoping the home dressing room proves a lucky charm once more as they take on Eagley in Thursday's Goldline Final against Eagley at the Reebok Stadium.

Winners in 1998 and 2004, the Crilly Park men aim to become the first side to retain the trophy, but will not have an easy ride against West Lancs League outfit Eagley.

The two sides met in last season's Hospital Cup Final, with LR emerging 3-1 victors, but Eagley's cup form has been excellent this season and the Bolton club have also made the final of the West Lancs League Cup.

Atherton will be missing Paul Greenacre, Dave Bayliss, Tom Murphy and Mick Bennet, who are all cup-tied.

Youngster Liam Donnelly is expected to keep his place in the side after the 1-0 victory over Atherton Colls at the weekend, and Colin Flood may return despite being currently registered with St Helens.

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Phil Howard will shoulder the goal burden for Atherton, having already found the net 19 times this season.

Eagley have a full squad to choose from following their 1-0 victory over Charnock in the League Cup semis, and will be looking to 46-goal partnership Carl Grimshaw and Liam Carr for ammunition.

Both sides will be given the full professional treatment in the build-up to the game, and regular Reebok sights including Lofty the Lion will be there to boost the match atmosphere.

Atherton secretary Steve Hartle hopes his side's lucky omens in the Goldline Cup continue to work against Eagley.

He said: "We have got the home dressing room again, and are playing in the kit we won in last year, so hopefully that will be a good omen for us.

"It's a great day out for the players, and we have sold about 1,200 tickets, so there will be plenty of fans to cheer us on.

"The only problem we have got is we have a few defenders cup-tied. Maybe we should switch to a 1-5-4 formation!"

Eagley secretary Mark Akin believes that although his side will go into the game as underdogs, they have what it takes to win the trophy.

He said: "I don't think there will be a massive amount between the two sides, and we have been playing very well in the cup competitions.

"We have sold the majority of the tickets given to us. It is a great money maker for the club, and I'm sure that we will have a great day whatever happens."

The final kicks off at 7.45pm, with tickets priced £2. They can be bought from the two competing clubs, and are also on sale at the Boltion Evening News reception at Churchgate, Bolton.

Spectators can also pay on the day at the Reebok.