THE road to the Millennium Stadium is long and winding.

But Clitheroe could be just a handful of games away from their own FA Cup final.

Blues player-manager Lee Sculpher has set his sights on earning a place in the first round proper, with Wakefield-Emley the latest team to stand in their way of that goal.

However, as well as facing UniBond Premier Division opposition, Sculpher also has a striker crisis to contend with.

Lee Cryer and Neil Spencer are both struggling with injury. Cryer has a calf strain while Spencer is sidelined with a badly bruised toe.

"From having four forwards to chose from, I'm now down to two in Glyn Barker and Gary Jackson," Sculpher said.

Nevertheless, he is confident that his side will still have enough attacking options to trouble Wakefield-Emley.

Barrie Hart, Jackson and Barker all went close in Tuesday's 0-0 draw at home to Colwyn Bay.

"It's a shame we weren't able to convert any of our chances because it was one-way traffic for us for the first 20-25 minutes," Sculpher said.

"Hopefully we'll be able to take any chances that come our way tomorrow because it will be a difficult game.

"They've usually done quite well in the UniBond Premier League in recent seasons, they got a new management team in the middle of last season and I'm sure they'll be looking to do well in this competition."

But Sculpher is also keen to make progress and will be encouraging his side to make the most of home advantage.

"You've got to be excited about cup weekends, especially when you're drawn at home to sides from a higher division.

"It gives us a scalp to go for because, in the last few years, we've always been the major scalp.

"But not being the favourites means there isn't any pressure on us, so hopefully that will help."

He added: "I think it's everyone's dream to go to the first round proper.

"Whether that's being realistic or not at this stage I don't know because along the way we would probably come up against more UniBond Premier teams and Conference sides.

"But for any team at this level the first round is their cup final."

And Sculpher is confident that any progress would not detract from their league form.

"From a financial point of view it would be fantastic to win another game or two in the cup because that could ultimately benefit you in the league," he said.

"Plus, if you do well in the cup, winning's a habit and you can take that form into the league.

"People often say you are distracted by cup competitions but you tend to find that if you start well in the cup it does come across into league form."

As well as his strikers, Sculpher has doubts over Paul Stansfield (back) and Chris Whittingham (shin).

Robbie Smith was added to the squad from Rossendale this week but is cup tied.