IT'S the big one for footy fans in Lancaster and Morecambe. Old sporting rivals Morecambe FC and Lancaster City have been drawn together in the semi-final of the ATS Trophy on Tuesday week at Christie Park. The draw was made after Lancaster beat Chorley in the second round replay of the cup on Tuesday night.

Fans will recall the two sides' epic encounter in the FA Trophy two years ago when Morecambe won on the second replay.

But City boss Alan Tinsley was optimistic about his side's chances this time. "I'm thrilled about the draw," said Alan.

"When we got cheated out of the first game against Chorley I was really glad to win the replay. And then the draw made it.

"I'm looking forward to the Morecambe match because it'll give us a good opportunity to play against a club who play at a higher level. It will be interesting to see how our players do.

This cup has helped give the lads more confidence and we've managed to put a run together.

"But really I want the lads to win the two league games coming up before that match more. Still, it should be a cracking atmosphere at Christie Park."

Diehard Shrimps' fan Brian Campbell was quietly confident his team would win the day. "The best team will win," he said. "Morecambe's form has been suffering at home but this match should change that.

"Neither team have got gigantic support, but you can guarantee that fans of either side do not want to be beaten by the other."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.