COLNE boss Steve Cunningham brings up his 250th game in charge of the club tonight (7.45pm) and he wants to celebrate by booking a spot in the semi-finals of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy.

The Reds host Charnock Richard, who play one level below, in the last eight bidding to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to four games.

And the Colne chief stresses the county competition is one he will be taking seriously.

“It is the only cup we are left in and we want to go for it,” said Cunningham.

“It is a cup that we have identified as one we can win and we will picking a strong team.

“We have been to watch Charnock Richard and know it will be a tough game against a good side but we are three unbeaten and we want that to continue.”

Cunningham took charge of Colne five years ago and steered them to promotion from the Hallmark Security League Premier Division while the Reds reached the play-offs in the Evo-Stik League the season before last.

They are well placed to challenge again, sitting fourth, and Cunningham is able to reflect fondly on his time in charge so far.

“Each season we have had success,” he said.

“We have had a promotion and gone from a mid-table club to challenging for promotion and play-offs in the league above.

“It is a nice milestone and it would be nice to mark it with a win.

“When I took over I never thought I would last five years.

“I can remember the first game, I think it was against Ashton Athletic, and we lost 2-1. I nearly quit after that one!

“We have come a long way since then and I think the whole club has transformed.”

Meanwhile, Nelson are also in action tonight as they make the trip to Ashton Town in the Hallmark Security League First Division North (7.45pm).

The Admirals picked up a point at Carlisle City on Saturday and have now lost just once in four games.

Andy Harrison’s side are 18th in the table, three points and seven places below their hosts.