BARNOLDSWICK Town manager Andy Clarkson is targetting FA Vase glory after his side progressed through the first round of the competition on Saturday.

Town were involved in a six goal thriller at home to AFC Blackpool to make the step to the next round, drawing 3-3 in normal time before winning (9-8) in a staggering penalty shoot-out.

Some would say they were slightly fortunate to progress into round two after they threw away a 2-0 half-time lead.

Paul Turner and Gareth Hill had put the hosts in firm control going into the interval but Blackpool bounced back to score three goals in a 24 minute second- half spell.

But the ever-reliable Turner struck for the hosts 20 minutes from time, to see Town through to a penalty shoot-out.

Clarkson's squad was fairly depleted, a number of key men currently out injured and Clarkson is hoping those stars can return to push Town to FA Vase glory.

He said: "We got lucky to get through the tie against Blackpool on Saturday.

"It was very under par. The first half we did okay and in the second-half we looked like we were still in the dressing room.

"In all fairness, we've got a massive injury list and a lot of the players were playing out of position so that could have contributed to the drop in performance in the second half.

"I wasn't pleased with the performance overall but I'm delighted that we progressed on penalties.

"We can look forward to the next round now and ultimately, if I've got a fully fit squad at my disposal and partner that with the way we've started the campaign, then I believe we can win it.

"That's the goal now for the FA Vase competition. I want to win it."

Clarkson added: "I think if we can get the players back to fitness, get some good home draws then why can't we go all the way?"

James Cottam made his first start between the sticks for Barnoldswick on Saturday after arriving at the club recently. He shone on his debut, making a couple of fine saves throughout the 90 minutes and Clarkson was pleased with what he saw.

He said: "I've been after James for some time now and we are glad to have him. I had a chat with a few people that have coached him and we decided to take a look at him and give Jordan Gidley a little bit of a rest.

"It's always important to have fresh faces and fresh competition throughout the squad so that's what James will bring. I was really pleased with his debut on Saturday."

Town host Vauxhall Motors on Saturday, who only sit one place above them in the table and Clarkson is expecting a tough fixture.

He said: "I know they've got a good set-up at Vauxhall and they play attractive and fast thinking football so we are expecting a tough challenge."