PART of the magic of cup football is that anything can happen and Croftlands Park have already demonstrated their credentials against higher ranked opposition.

Last season’s Furness Premier League champions defeated Ulverston Rangers, of West Lancashire League Division One, to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Furness Senior Cup.

That quarter final, away to another West Lancashire League side in Division Two Furness Rovers, is finally set to take place tomorrow at the third time of asking.

“We’re hoping the weather will be kind to us,” said Shaun Dixon, Croftlands Park manager.

“Unfortunately, we have only played three games so far in 2020. The weather has disrupted things in terms of postponements and the lads are keen to get back playing again.”

These are interesting times at Croftlands Park, a club founded five-and-a-half years ago by Dixon, alongside Matthew Dean and Cameron McGoff.

Dixon stepped down as manager after last season’s league triumph. Aged just 31, he wanted to concentrate on the playing side of the game.

But halfway through the current campaign, his replacement Paul Hartley had to step aside due to other commitments and Dixon found himself back in the dugout.

“I’ve had injury problems and it seemed to make sense for me to take over when the manager’s position came up again,” he said.

“I have a long-standing connection with the club and want what is best for it.”

The two other founding members are both also still involved. Dean is the club’s main striker while McGoff is assistant manager.

Despite recent postponements, Croftlands Park have managed to train regularly and Dixon is expecting to have most of his players available for tomorrow’s game.

“We should have the majority with us," he said.

"At this level, it’s not just about injuries, it’s shift work and other commitments that people have. It’s the same for all teams.

“We’re looking forward to the game. It’s a big tie and I don’t think anyone is expecting a Furness Premier League side to win the cup, so that takes the pressure off a bit. In the last round we beat Ulverston Rangers, the cup holders, who are two divisions above us, so we know what we’re capable of.”

Croftlands Park are currently fourth in the league table and are eight points behind leaders Vickerstown Reserves.

“We’ll be relying on other teams dropping points,” said Dixon. "But we can only look at each game as it comes along.”