CLITHEROE boss Lee Ashforth will be in familiar surroundings when he takes his side to Ossett United this weekend.

The Blues chief was in charge of Ossett Town last season prior to the club merging with neighbours Ossett Albion to create a new team.

The merger left Ashforth without a role but he returns on Saturday in charge of a Clitheroe side who have lost just one of their last nine and starting to gel under his stewardship.

"On a personal level it is a great draw for me, it is only four or five months since I was at the club," said the Shawbridge boss.

"There are still a few players there who I know really well and the assistant manager Paul Quinn was my assistant manager at Brighouse.

"One of my good mates Nicky Boshell will be in team and I am looking forward to it.

"It is a good draw for us, it will be a tough game but it is a winnable one.

"It is a big day for the club financially, I think there will be 500-600 fans there and we will be getting half the gate receipts and it will be nice to get in the hat for the draw on Monday.

"I don't think there is too much difference between the Evo-Stik West and East divisions so we will be targeting a win and if not then getting a draw and bringing them back to Shawbridge."

Clitheroe's up turn in fortunes saw they earn a 5-1 win over Droylsden in midweek and the Blues are five points clear of the relegation zone.

And Ashforth believes playing with a smile has helped spark the improvement.

"I don't think the lads were enjoying it earlier in the season," said the Clitheroe boss who replaced Stuart Mellish early in the campaign.

"I think the key was getting smiles on the faces of the players and the crowd are on side now as well.

"We have a good squad of 19 players and are playing well at the moment."

One man who has caught the eye is French winger Antonie Recizac who has scored two in his last three games.

"He is extremely exciting and is a real crowd pleaser," said the Clitheroe boss of the wideman.

"He still has a bit to learn defensively but is a very talented footballer and is getting used to English football.

"He was part of a football academy that our assistant Dave Mannix runs in Liverpool and has been with us since pre-season and is a very talented player."

Clitheroe will have a full squad to chose from aside from forward Jamie Rainford who is cup tied.

Elsewhere, Ramsbottom United are also in Trophy action as they travel to Frickley Athletic.