ANY game against FC United of Manchester is always a hotly anticipated one for Chorley, not least because of the size of the crowd the fixture draws.

But tomorrow’s FA Trophy second round tie between the two teams at Victory Park takes on extra meaning for two players in opposite camps.

For ex-Claret Chris Lynch, now with FC United, it is not just the opportunity of another game to add to his comeback season, following a serious knee injury, but also his first to play against his cousin, Jack.

They have followed similar paths.

The pair hail from Darwen, have paternal links and attended St Bede’s RC High School, Blackburn. They went on to secure scholarships at professional clubs - centre half Chris joining Burnley, going on to earn a professional contract, while midfielder Jack was a youth team player at Carlisle.

Both have since made the step into non-league, and will be cheered on by their families when they go head-to-head tomorrow (3pm).

“Our parents are going to be there, our nans and a few cousins,” said 19-year-old Jack, who joined Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley in the summer after his release from Carlisle.

“I’m looking forward to the experience, the atmosphere of such a big crowd, and everything about the game.

“I spend quite a lot of time with Chris and we’ve been talking about the game for a while.

“He phoned me straight after the draw was made to let me know.

“I just hope we’ll both be involved.”

Chorley will be looking to emulate last season’s Trophy run, when they pushed Tamworth close in their bid for the last 16.

But of the family affair, Chris added: “I always watched Jack when he was younger, and we were at Southport together briefly, but I’ve never played against him.

“We used to have a kickabout in the park when we were kids, and our nan has quite a big back garden so we used to use that as well. I always got quite competitive, and being two or three feet taller than him at the time I always won, but he’s grown up a bit since then.”

Whatever the outcome tomorrow, the 24-year-old is just pleased to have the opportunity to be involved.

“Since leaving Burnley I’ve had a bit of knee trouble,” added Chris, who had spells with Stalybridge Celtic and Southport after leaving Turf Moor. “This is my first season back after 18 months.

“I didn’t think I’d be playing again to be honest, so to be playing against Jack is something else to look forward to.”

“I’ve been winding him up, talking about 50-50 challenges.”