Road to Wembley dilemma

Warrington Town chairman Gary Skentlebury admits he's among fans facing a round versus oval ball dilemma on Saturday with Warrington Wolves at Wembley in the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final.

The Evo-Stik NPL First Division North Wire kick off their own road to Wembley on Saturday at Atherton LR in the FA Cup's Preliminary Round while their rugby league neighbours are preparing for their showdown with Leeds Rhinos.

The chairman revealed supporters and match officials are used to coping with the dilema as it can happen every year with the Cup's Preliminary Round scheduled on the same Saturday as the Wembley final. He believes many will still opt to follow the Wire as the dream of reaching the First Round proper for the first time in their history starts, despite admitting that he's opted for Wembley the last two times the Wolves were there!

Town's best effort is a Fourth Qualifying Round replay and Skentelbery, a life long Wolves fan, said: "It causes a real dilemma for many of us at the football club but we have our loyal followers who will be cheering us on at Atherton. I was down at Wembley cheering on the Wolves at the last two Wembley finals but this time I have opted for the FA Cup.

"It is a hugely important competition for Non-League football clubs as the financial rewards are quite significant as well as the extra profile it can bring a club. Our dream is to take the club to the First Round proper as there is every chance we would be one of the smallest clubs left in the competition, which always attracts a lot of media interest.

"We have big ambitions for this club and reaching the First Round proper of the most famous cup competition in the world would certainly help us on our journey. But I'll also have one eye on what is going on at Wembley and hopefully be cheering on a double success for our town. The two events may be worlds apart but the passion will be just the same."

While the Wolves are no strangers to Wembley with their third visit in four years, this season Warrington Town are commemorating the 25th anniversary of their own Wembley appearance, pictured, in the 1974 FA Vase Final.