A HOST of East Lancashire sides are in action tomorrow as the first round of the LCB Knockout Cup throws up some tasty ties.

Reigning Ribblesdale League champions Clitheroe reached the semi-finals last season, where they lost to eventual winners Firwood Bootle by 73 runs.

They begin their mission to improve on that final-four place by hosting a Blackpool side currently third in the Northern League standings.

Clitheroe skipper Paul Gaskell said: "We don't know too much about Blackpool this season, although we do know they will be a quality side.

"But we did very well in this competition last season, and hopefully we can do well again this year."

Clitheroe overcame Lancashire League side Burnley at the quarter-final stage last year, a six-wicket win that denied the Turf Moor men the chance of a quadruple.

Chris Holt's team take on Heywood first up this year, with a second round clash against Oswaldtwistle Immanuel the reward after the Ribblesdale League side were awarded a bye.

Lancashire League leaders Lowerhouse travel to Preston to play Palace Shield side Vernon Carus, while third-placed Ramsbottom take on Knight Riders of the Greater Manchester Amateur League.

Church will be looking to put their poor league form behind them when they play Egerton, while Enfield entertain another Bolton side in the shape of Bradshaw at Dill Hall Lane.

Two more Ribblesdale League sides will battle it out for a second-round spot; Settle host Leyland and Read travel to Manchester to play In Time CC.

Darwen have struggled in the Northern League so far this season, so will be hoping a change of competition can bring them some respite when they host Lostock at Birch Hall.

The best of the other ties include an all-Northern Premier League clash between Fleetwood and Morecambe, and holders Bootle hosting Bolton League side Farnworth.