HOLKER Old Boys will finally play their Lancashire Challenge Trophy second-round clash against Colne – thanks to the generosity of Barrow AFC.

The excessive wet weather and waterlogged pitches have meant that the clash has been postponed on four occasions – the game being called off twice at Colne’s ground and twice at Rakesmoor Lane.

It was initially hoped the tie could be completed last night, but Colne’s surface was not deemed to be playable.

But recently-appointed Stags boss Scott Redhead – who has turned out for Barrow in the past and has also served as Bluebirds coach – utilised his AFC contacts to get the game switched to Holker Street.

Holker enjoyed a superb Lancs Trophy campaign last season as they beat Conference North title contenders Fylde on their way to reaching the semi-finals.

A quarter-final match-up with Bamber Bridge will be up for grabs when the North West Counties League sides collide at Holker Street tonight (8pm kick-off).

Redhead said: “This cup competition for the lower-league teams like ourselves is massive, especially when you consider the run Holker had last year in knocking out Fylde and then eventually getting beat by Chorley (in the semis).

“When you look at the football we try and play and when you consider the quality of Barrow’s surface, it makes it even more of an important match for us.

“We’re very grateful to Barrow for assisting us.”

However, Holker are faced with a tough task with Colne sitting second in the North West Counties League Premier Division and just one point off top spot.

Holker sit on the fringe of the First Division play-off zone. Redhead added: “I believe Colne will win the league above us having already come up against them when I was at Nelson earlier in the season, they’re a really strong team and they have got some good quality in there.

“They’ve got the likes of left-back Lee Pugh, who was playing Conference Premier football not too long ago I believe.

“So it’s a big tie and everyone is really looking forward to it and even more so now that Barrow have allowed us to play at their ground.

“When I let the players know we are playing at Barrow, the lads were even more up for it.

“But, to be honest, they just want a game at the minute because it’s hard work when you haven’t had a game for a couple of weeks.

“Since I’ve taken charge we’ve won two in two and we want to continue that run.”

Redhead recently took the managerial reins from Gary Fawcett and since then the Stags have registered a 2-1 league victory at Widnes and then a 2-0 home success over Ashton Town in the Reusch First Division Cup on November 21.

Holker left-back Billy Moss will be missing tonight as he is suspended. Goalkeeper Ollie Bell is also out, and he will be replaced between the sticks by Ross Liddicott.

Holker chairman Dick John added: “It’s brilliant of Barrow to help us out, we appreciate it.

“It’s a nice gesture when pitches aren’t in the best condition.”

Tickets for tonight’s game are priced at £5 (£2.50 concessions).