DALE Benkenstein reckons Worsley Cup glory is within Burnley's grasp -- but feels they are still too far off to be up there challenging for the Transco Lancashire League title.

The South African is in his second spell at Turf Moor and wants to emulate what he did in 1997 -- and get Burnley to the final of the cup competition.

There they lost to Haslingden but victory over Accrington tonight when they finish Saturday's rain-affected quarter-final could seal a last four spot -- and put them on course for their first major trophy since they last won the Worsley Cup in 1984.

Burnley are chasing 149 -- and will continue at 60-2 with Benkenstein at the crease tonight at Thorneyholme Road (6.15pm).

"We've got 90 runs to get but it can be done," said the paid man.

"We'll have to see how it goes, especially as David Brown injured his finger yesterday so it looks like we will be another wicket down, but it is important for us to win.

"If we get through, it's Church next so we'll see what happens."

The Natal player thinks the maximum 10 overs per bowler games is more suited to Burnley's style than the league format.

"I am a batting pro -- aiming to top 1,000 runs -- not a bowling pro although I think I can keep it tight.

"I think bowling pros tend to do well in the league but we have a number of guys who can bowl and I that's why I think the the cup games suit us better.

"I would like to have a good cup run and I will be happy with mid-table in the league."

Mid-table will be an improvement on last season's rock bottom finish but Benkenstein feels his side's downfall is their lack of ability to turn in good performances week in week out, especially as Burnley are a relatively young side and still learning.

Yesterday's game at Colne was a prime example.

The paid man hit 85 but the rest of the Burnley line-up fell relatively cheaply, Brown their next top scorer with 27.

The Turf Moor side did set a relatively tough target of 192-9, Colne's Gary Hunt taking 4-59 to keep the score down.

But Burnley failed to make an impact with the ball, Hunt (30) and fellow opener Jeff Ellis (37) making a solid start before the former was run out to break the partnership.

Colne pro Marcus North then came in to steady the ship -- although somebody will be looking at their car this morning after one of his sixes landed out of the ground with a thud!

North went on to record a valuable unbeaten 43 while Gary Laycock made a quick-fire 51.

Colne needed 20 off the final ten overs and although there was a minor scare as they went from 183-3 to 186-5 in the end they triumphed comfortably by five wickets.

"Colne are a good all-round team. It shows when their pro only needs to get 43 and the rest get similar figures," said Benkenstein.

"I can only do what I can on the field but we are a very young side and are not consistent enough.

"We have some really good games and then some really poor games.

He continued: "We were going well at the start of the season but have lost it in the last couple of weeks.

"I think it's just a slight change of attitude. At first everything was new, now it's worn off and we need to put in the hard work.

"In the league it is a matter of trying to hold things together and getting the guys to play consistently. That is important.

"Last time I was here, there was not a lot of difference.

"I managed the Under 18s then and so I know a few of the guys which have come through.

"We finished around mid-table then so this season we'll aim to do the same."

Meanwhile, Benkenstein thinks the league title is wide open.

"Colne are a good all-round team but otherwise anyone can beat anyone on the day. It is so open.

"There are not one or two sides head and shoulders above the rest. It is wide open."