MANAGER Michael Clegg hopes that Atherton Collieries can give the locals something to shout about in the FA Vase.

Colls are at home in the second round on Friday night against Chadderton, who are one level below them in the North West Counties First Division.

And Clegg hopes for a bumper crowd at Alder House as his side aim to take another step along the road to Wembley.

“The FA Vase is massive for us, it's our FA Cup,” he said. “Everybody was pleased for Glossop North End when they got to last season's final but they also had an envious eye on it because you know that could be you.

“We've switched it to Friday because it tends to increase the crowd.

If Bolton and United are playing on the Saturday we tend to lose a few fans.

“It might only be 20 but that makes a big difference for us. We'd get about 180 on a Saturday but we're hoping for 200-400 on Friday.

“We're going to give it a real push in this season's competition because a good Cup run can galvanise the community, which we're really hoping to do.

“Just look at what it's done for Glossop. Last season they were getting around 150 and now they're up to around 400.”

Colls beat Chadderton en route to promotion last season so Clegg expects the Oldham-based outfit to be out for revenge.

“We had two good victories over them so I'm sure they'll be well up for it,” he added.

“And we know what it's like to be underdogs after doing so well in the Cups last season.

“But I don't believe in taking it easy in the Cup. We want to maintain the good form we've been on and go as far as we can in the competition.”

Colls enjoyed a 4-0 win against West Didsbury and Chorlton to book their place in the next round of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy.

The Alder House men took the lead in the 26th minute when Ben Hardcastle was sandwiched between two defenders and the referee awarded a penalty.

Mark Battersby smashed home an unstoppable spot-kick to reach double figures for the campaign.

Jordan Cover extended their lead before Hardcastle got his name on the scoresheet with 10 minutes of the first half left.

Dave Sherlock put the icing on the cake late in the game.

On Monday night, Colls were in seventh heaven with a 7-2 victory against Silsden.

Cover was at the double, while Mark Truffas, Hardcastle, Callum Jones, Nicholas McAuley and an own goal rounded up the scoring.