Chairman Brian Williams has praised manager Jim Nichols, ahead of Penrith's FA Vase tie against Atherton Collieries.

Nichols began the season as the club's assistant manager but, following a turbulent start to September, Nichols took charge on a permanent basis.

He was in the hotseat for the Bonny Blues' FA Vase first qualifying round match, where they beat Durham City 5-3 after extra-time.

And this afternoon he will have the chance to lead Penrith the furthest they've ever been in the FA Vase, provided they beat their opponents from the Hallmark Security League Premier Division.

Williams said: "We are absolutely delighted with the way Jim has approached the job.

"Parting company with any manager is never a nice thing. But the players have really taken to Jim."

Robbie Hebson returned to the club this week and will be available for selection for the FA Vase tie.

Meanwhile, Nichols has also signed Bobby Atkinson from Appleby and given chances to some of the club's reserve players, including Connor Shields.

"We are delighted we have got Robbie Hebson," Williams said.

"Young players are starting to come through, as well, which is really good.

"What we have been trying to do is get a better relationship with the reserves.

"Young Connor Shields has been fantastic for them and he has come into the first-team and done really well there, as well. And Bobby Atkinson has come in and he is doing really well, too."

A win today would bring the Bonny Blues more prize money, taking the amount they have earned during their FA Vase run this campaign to over the £3,000 mark.

Williams said: "Any financial rewards are a benefit. This is an added bonus."

It's hoped there will be a bumper crowd at Frenchfield Park for the third-round tie.

"I think they [Atherton Collieries] have a good travelling support," Williams added.

"Carlisle are at home as well, which doesn't help. But hopefully, we can get a good crowd."

The Bonny Blues made it to within two wins of the first round of the FA Cup in the 2013/14 season but a place in the last 32 of this year's FA Vase could well be just as big for the club.

Williams said: "Obviously, we have had big FA Cup games before but this will be right up there.

"The Northern League has a great record with teams doing well in the FA Vase. Hopefully, that can continue."

Despite their excellent cup runs, with the Bonny Blues also due to find out their Cumberland Cup Quarter-Final opponents last night, they have fallen drastically behind in their Northern League schedule and have nine games in hand on league leaders North Shields.