Playing two divisions apart, many couldn't find a common link between Clitheroe’s Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy semi-final opponents, Atherton Collieries. However we have found one in the shape of Blues defender….Seydou Bamba.

Bamba enjoyed a successful twelve month stint at Alder Street, home of the Colls between 2006 and 2007. The left back spoke to the club website about his time at the Greater Manchester club and knows that when the sides meet in February, Simon Garner’s men will be in for a tough game.

“I have a lot of memories from my time at Atherton. It was the club where I made my non-league debut.”

“My favourite memory was beating FC United 3-0 at Gigg Lane during the 2006/2007 season. It was FC United's first defeat in two seasons and it was an amazing performance by the team.”

The Blues were bookmaker’s favourites to get relegated this season and have exceeded all expectations in league and cup so far this year. Against a side playing North West Counties football, many neutrals would expect Clitheroe to win but Bamba believes that not being under dogs for a game won’t affect his team’s mindset.

“I think being dubbed favourite isn't going to distract us. We are not going to take them lightly because anything can happen in football like you have seen in the FA Cup this season. I'm looking forward to it.”

With the semi-final being played at the Lancashire FA HQ in Leyland, the 30 year old believes that Atherton will bring a large crowd, which should make a great all round atmosphere with many supporters expected to travel from Clitheroe too.

“They have always had a good fan base. During my time at the club we had great local support and obviously now there fan base has grown a lot. I am not surprised however as it's a very good club and the people who run it are very dedicated and hard working.”

The former Squires Gate man went on to say;

“The game will be very difficult. This is a team that has beaten a full strength Ramsbottom team so it won't be easy. None of the players from the 2006/07 season are still there now but from what I've heard they have a group of young, hungry players who will cause us problems if we aren't on top of our game.”