RIBBLESDALE League leaders Barnoldswick take their first step on the road towards Lancashire Cup glory tomorrow as they face a minefield of a clash with Palace Shield big hitters Penwortham.

Matt Nutter’s men, who have made a fine start to the season, travel to the outskirts of Preston for the game against last year’s Palace Shield champions, who hit the headlines 12 months ago when Andrew Flintoff signed registration forms with them.

While there is no chance of a Flintoff appearing – especially as the ex-England all-rounder’s brother Chris is out of the picture – Nutter leads his side into the game high on confidence as they look to make a real push in the competition.

“I said at the start of the season that I wanted to have a good season in the league and have a good do at the cups,” said the skipper.

“We have done well so far – but we have won nothing and there is a long way to go.”

Richard Palmer’s Whalley are also in Lancashire Cup first round action tomorrow – and they face a real test at Station Road.

Whalley have drawn Northern League outfit Leyland in the first round that the match is sure to be a keenly contested affair.

Leyland are captained by former Lancashire seamer Dave Makinson and include prodigiously talented teenage batsman Henry Thompson, who is a regular for Lancashire seconds.

They also boast star professional Brett Pelser in their ranks.