THE first round of the FA Umbro Trophy takes place this Saturday and one of the most intriguing pairings is Radcliffe Boro at home to Accrington Stanley.

Adding extra spice to the tie will be two former Boro favourites who moved to the Unibond Premier Division outfit, Simon Carden and Paul Mullin, although the latter is rated extremely doubtful after a recent rib injury.

Boro are in top form having firmed up their position at the top of the Division One table on Tuesday night with a 2-1 impressive away win at Gretna. That victory opened up a four point cushion, despite the absence of several key players.

Back in contention for the cup game will be Mark Dempsey, Eamonn Kelly and Andy Walker. Midfielder Scott Wilson returned from injury in the midweek game leaving only Lee Kissock still sidelined and he resumes training this week.

In the NWCL all our three local Division One sides compete in the Worthington Challenge Trophy first round with Atherton LR, having given Chris Arnold his club debut in Tuesday's midweek 1-1 draw at Warrington Town, at home to Maine Road. Atherton Colls travel to Fleetwood Freeport while Ramsbottom United are at Prescot Cables.

In the LFA Amateur Challenge Shield Turton and Blackrod Town are set to clash in the third round tie, which was postponed last Saturday. The winners will be away to Fulwood amateurs, to be played Saturday Nov 17.

Atherton Town face a tough away trip to Charnock Richard, while Elton Fold have also been drawn away at Wigan Amateur Premier outfit Hindley Town.

LFA Amateur Shield ties to be played Sat November 17 with extra time and penalties if necessary. Norcross & Warbreck v Burnley United, Wigan SMR/Haslingden St Marys v Carnforth Rangers, Fulwood Amateurs v Turton or Blackrod Town, Hindley Town v Elton Fold, Kirkham & Wesham v Ashton Athletic, Storeys of Lancaster v Milnthorpe Corin or Lytham St Annes, Charnock Richard v Atherton Town, Fleetwood Hesketh v Blackpool Wren Rvrs.