STEVE Wilkes is hoping to have the last laugh tonight as his Darwen side prepare for their biggest match in over 20 years.

The Anchor boss is still seething over the Lancashire FA's decision to switch their ATS Trophy final clash with Morecambe from Deepdale to Chorley's Victory Park.

But all that will be forgotten if the Anchormen can turn the form book upside down and pull off one of the greatest shocks in their history by beating Jim Harvey's Conference outfit.

Four divisions separate the two sides and the Shrimps are massive favourites going into the clash.

But Darwen have already proved they've got the stomach for the big occasion after dumping Accrington Stanley and Southport out of the competition this season.

And Wilkes believes they're capable of making it a stunning hat-trick provided their attitude is right.

"It's all down to attitude and desire and, provided our's is spot on, we stand a very good chance," said the Darwen chief.

"If we didn't think we had a chance then there'd no point in us turning up.

"No-one gave us a chance against Accrington but we beat them after being 2-0 down. And certainly no-one expected us to win at Southport and we stuffed them 4-0."

Wilkes has done his homework and had the Shrimps watched twice in the last couple of weeks.

And though those scouting reports suggest they're a more-than-capable attacking force, they can be exploited at the back. "By all accounts they're very good going forward. "The two full backs are useful and the two wide men, Mark Shirley and Darren Lyons, knock a lot of dangerous balls in. But if we can snuff out that threat then who knows? We might be able to catch them out at the back."

Whatever the result, it promises to be a memorable night for the North Western Trains League Second Division outfit who have fallen upon hard times in recent years.

After several seasons spent battling against relegation, they were thrown out of the NWTL First Division 12 months ago because their ground wasn't up to scratch.

But under the shrewd management of Wilkes the club are fighting back, and they are now just one step away from winning the coveted Lancashire ATS Challenge Trophy for the first time since 1933.

"When you look at the teams that entered this competition at the start of the season, it's amazing how far we've come.

"I honestly don't think people realise just what we've achieved, and that includes certain people at the club."

Neil Durkin, Neil Cordingley and Jimmy Khan have all been passed fit so Wilkes will pick from a full squad (kick off 7.30pm).

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