Three of Lancashire's Vodkat League sides are involved in FA Cup first qualifying round action this weekend.

Rossendale have a home tie against Leigh Genesis and chairman Steve Hobson is cautiously optimistic about his club's prospects.

"We have to be pleased with a home draw in the cup," said Hobson.

"The fortunes of both clubs seem to have been reversed with us on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run and Leigh have won only one league game."

He added: "There are certainly stronger teams than Leigh Genesis still in the hat and I'm certain that our manager John Hughes will have his team well prepared for the tie."

We will always create goal scoring opportunities Borough manager Brent Peters

Bacup successfully negotiated the first qualifying round of the FA Vase last weekend and they travel to Bamber Bridge.

Borough manager Brent Peters said: "We can go there and relax and play our normal game, because we are not the favourites.

"We're very much the underdogs and the pressure is on Bamber Bridge not us.

"We shouldn't have a chance but because of the type of team we are we will always create goal scoring opportunities.

"It's whether we can take them or not."

There is another attractive tie at the Riverside where Ramsbottom host Skelmersdale, with the Rams going into the game buoyed by their 5-0 win over Runcorn Linnets in midweek.

In the Vodkat League Premier Division, Colne will look to maintain their position as the county's highest-placed team, when they travel to face fellow promotion-rivals Bootle.

Padiham also travel to Merseyside and will start as favourites against second from bottom Formby.

Barnoldswick face a tricky game at home to second-placed Winsford, while Squires Gate will be looking for their second home win of the season against Alsager.

In Division One, AFC Blackpool will look to bounce back to form at Daisy Hill after suffering their first defeat of the season last weekend, while AFC Darwen host Wigan Robin Park at the Anchor Ground.

FA Cup first qualifying round

Bamber Bridge v Bacup

Ramsbottom v Skelmersdale

Rossendale v Leigh Genesis

Vodkat League Premier Division

Barnoldswick v Winsford

Bootle v Colne

Formby v Padiham

Squires Gate v Alsager

Vodkat League First Division

AFC Darwen v Wigan Robin Park

Daisy Hill v AFC Blackpool

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