RIVALS Accrington Stanley and Chorley take a welcome break from their relegation tussle in the UniBond Challenge Cup at Victory Park tonight.

Chorley boss Bryan Griffiths said: "The cup comes as a reprieve from our league fixtures and it's a chance to gain confidence before the next league game after the defeat on Saturday."

Tony Black is cup tied after playing in the competition for Stanley and Mark Jones is suspended.

Stanley will be without the cup tied Ged Walsh and their is an injury doubt over Mick Langhorn.

Stanley boss, Wayne Harrison, said: "It's a great game for us. The league is the priority but any games that we get in between to allow the players to gel, are very welcome.

"Hopefully we can build on the good things that came out of Saturday's defeat."

Midfield pair John Borland and Chris Bermingham were released by Stanley after Saturday's defeat.

Borland, an ex Burnley apprentice, signed from Scunthorpe 18 months ago, while Bermingham only moved from Witton Albion at the beginning of this season.

The move is a signal of Harrison's intentions to reshape the side in a bid to avoid relegation.

Rossendale manager Micky Graham may be tempted to make changes for their ATS Floodlit Trophy quarter-final at home to Darwen tonight.

Graham was disappointed with a number of performances in Dale's 3-1 home defeat to Salford on Saturday.

Darwen boss Steve Wilkes is expected to have a full-strength squad to select from as the North West Trains League Second Division club look to cause an upset.

Bacup Borough take on lowly Oldham Town looking for three points to improve their standing in the NWTL Second Division.

Manager Brent Peters has no selection problems and after another postponement on Saturday is now hoping for a run of games to gain some momentum.

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