RAMSBOTTOM go into their local derby at home to Clitheroe on the back of a confidence-boosting 5-1 win over Colne in midweek.

In stark contrast, opponents Clitheroe enter the weekend following a 4-0 hiding at Fleetwood.

But United boss Ken Bridge reckons it will count for nothing when the two sides square up in the Worthington Challenge Trophy first round tomorrow.

"Clitheroe had a bad result midweek but we had a bad result up at Fleetwood. It is a hard place to go in midweek especially at this time of year.

"Clitheroe have beaten us twice in the league but I felt we had 75 per cent of the game on both occasions, but we just couldn't put it in the net."

Blues boss Dave Burgess knows the two defeats will spur United on.

"They will be looking for revenge because we have beaten them twice this season," he said.

"But this competition is really important to us. I'd love to win the League Cup.

"I'd like to win any competition. I want to get to March, be in every final and be top of the league.

"I know that's not going to happen but if you are not in a competition you can't win it."

Ramsbottom's Neil Wallace is out with a knee injury and Barry White and Andy Grimshaw are both suspended. New signing from Mossley Chris Willcock can play by Andy Hoult wasn't registered in time.

Clitheroe's Barry Hart (ankle) and Carl Greenwood (ankle) are both out and Dave Worthington is suspended.