THERE may be almost a full division between FARSLEY CELTIC and South Shields in the Evo-Stik League structure but the Celts will still face a tough tie in tonight's Integro League Cup first round.

Farsley are fourth in the Premier Division after earning a point at the weekend from a 1-1 draw at long-term rivals Lancaster City. The Mariners are second in Division One North, despite not having a league game on Saturday.

Shields were in FA Cup action at the weekend and gave north-east rivals Hartlepool United a scare. Shields led at the break and had also hit the woodwork before the National League outfit edged the tie with two second-half goals. Shields had beaten York City in the previous round.

The Mariners will be desperate not to lose back-to-back cup ties on home turf, especially as this is the first of two meeting with Farsley in knockout competitions this month.

The Celts host Shields in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy at Throstle Nest a week on Saturday and tonight's result may give the victors a psychological advantage for that next cup clash.

There is another Premier versus Division One North tie as BRIGHOUSE TOWN head to Marine – but Town should harbour hopes of winning against their higher-ranked hosts.

It is a clash of two struggling sides, with the Merseyside outfit currently 20th in the top tier having taken just 16 points from 18 games.

Vill Powell's men are 17th in the northern section of the lower tier after a series of defeats by the odd goal and a win against a Premier club could kickstart their season and see Town build momentum.

There is more cup action tonight as SILSDEN host Burscough in the Macron Cup first round.

The Cobbydalers are at home but are in the division below their visitors in the Hallmark Security League. Yet while Danny Forrest's men are riding high, eight points clear at the top of Division One, their visitors are bottom of the Premier Division.

LIVERSEDGE also have a home game but there are Toolstation Northern Counties East League points to play for as they host Parkgate in the Premier Division.

Although Sedge are a lowly 16th, they are three places higher than their visitors and four points better off, despite having played four games fewer at this stage.