MILLOM look to extend their excellent league form to cup competition when they travel to Garstang tomorrow.

Danny Pattinson's side have a perfect record in West Lancs Division Two this season, winning all eight of their fixtures thus far.

And their Lancashire FA Amateur Shield third-round tie is a chance to test themselves against a team two steps up in the league structure.

“We're very confident going into the game, but we know it's going to be a tough test against Garstang,” Pattinson said.

“They're going well in their league, which is two divisions above ours, but as long as we prepare right and turn up on the day I believe we've got a chance.”

The manager attributes his side's strong start to a combination of newfound sturdiness at the back and youthful verve going forward.

“Historically, we never struggled scoring goals, but we're also now a solid defensive unit, with some big strong lads at the back,” Pattinson added.

“In front of them we have a young midfield featuring Theo Wilson, Jamie Pattinson and Ben MacDonald, three players who like to pick up the ball and attack.

“Theo, in particular, has been very confident on the ball, for a 17-year-old it's impressive to see him so strong in possession.”

“That has helped Carl Waters and our other forwards to pick up the goals they have.”

Veteran Waters sits atop the league goalscoring charts, having notched 13 times so far this season.

Millom will need a complete performance from their defence, midfield and attack to threaten a team who are currently third in West Lancs Premier Division.

Garstang are unbeaten in four league games at home, and will surely present Millom with their sternest test yet.

“I have asked a couple of the teams in the Premier Division, and Garstang did a lot of recruitment in the off-season that has helped them make such a good start,” Pattinson added.

“We're expecting a big, physical side with lots of pace in the front four.

“But we have some physical, quick lads at the back ourselves, so it's as long as on the day we set up right.

“One of the biggest differences for us this season is that when we lose the ball we get back into our shape and set up correctly. Then, when we win the ball back, we can attack at pace.”

Though reaching the last 16 of the Lancashire Shield – and being the last local team standing – is an achievement in itself, having beaten a team from a higher division in the first round, Pattinson is eyeing a trophy to cap his debut managerial campaign.

“Silverware is always the target at Millom,” he said. “This is like our FA Cup. in that it's the highest level we can play to. It doesn't get any bigger than this.”

In North West Counties Division One tomorrow, Holker Old Boys play Cheadle Town at Rakesmoor Lane, with Holker hoping to arrest a slide in form after consecutive defeats in their last two fixtures.

Hawcoat Park were glad to be one of the few teams that played despite the conditions last weekend, producing a dominant display to beat Wyre Villa 5-0 in West Lancs Division One. They will need a repeat performance to challenge league leaders Milnthorpe on the road tomorrow.

In Division Two, Furness Cavaliers and Furness Rovers need to start picking up points, and will look to take advantage of home fixtures against Thornton Cleveleys reserves and Lostock St Gerards reserves respectively.

Walney Island produced an impressive display to beat Dalton United 4-0 last weekend, and look to continue a good run of form at Padiham reserves.

Dalton also play away, though theyface a tougher test in the shape of second-placed Leyland United – the Lancashire side are unbeaten in the league, having won all five of their home games.

After Hurricane Ophelia ravaged Furness in the week, Furness Premier League teams will be hoping the incoming Storm Brian is more merciful.

Holker Old Boys reserves and Dalton United reserves both unexpectedly find themselves near the foot of the table, and will face off at Railway Meadow.

Top-of-the-table Hawcoat Park reserves host fifth-placed Kirkby United, while Brittania take on a Swarthmoor Social seeking to keep up the pressure on the league leaders.

Elsewhere, Millom reserves play Croftlands Park and Haverigg United make a long journey over to Walney Island reserves.

In Premier Tiles Division One, the standout fixture is Crooklands Casuals reserves' visit to Vickerstown CC A. Millom A hope to build on last week's win against first-placed Hawcoat Park A with a home fixture against Barrow Celtic reserves.

Division Two leaders Croftlands Park reserves host Brittania reserves, while Kirkby United Reserves – unbeaten in five league games this season – welcome Walney Island A.