THE THREE other Hyndburn teams have their fingers-crossed that crisis club Accrington can survive in the Lancashire League.
The Thorneyholme Road club will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting on Monday (7.45pm start) to discuss the club's future as they could go into liquidation this month with an expected shortfall of £10,000.
The club has struggled financially due to dwindling crowds, their social club suffering from lack of functions due to it's position and there has been extra costs after vandalism at the club among other things.
But the three other Hyndburn teams are hoping the club, which played in the league when it started in the 1890s, will still have a big future.
Enfield chairman Geoff Dixon admitted: "I spoke to Accrington president Peter Barratt as soon as I read the story to offer our sympathies and say if there is anything we can do, however small, we will help.
"We, as a club, do well on the social side because our club is on a main road and people hold plenty of private functions there.
"Our membership has also gone up. The social side always keeps the cricket side going and we know we are fortunate.
"Accrington's clubhouse is down a private, dark road and Peter said that is a problem despite refurbishing the club house recently.
"Expenses have increased as well - like administrative fees and things like that and then you have to pay a professional.
"£10,000 doesn't sound a lot but a one-off payment could help now but lead to similar problems 12 months down the line. They need a long term solution."
He continued: "It is hard as gate receipts are down everywhere in the league.
"Years ago Enfield versus Accrington used to bring a big gate but it just doesn't happen nowadays.
"You are so dependent on factors like the weather and people have so many other things to do other than watch cricket.
"But even though they are our local rivals, we will offer whatever help we can."
Rishton chairman Alan Craven admitted his club are currently "over the moon" as his Blackburn Road side sit at the top of the Lancashire League but he is sympathetic to Accrington's plight.
Rishton have a good band of loyal supporters and, like Accrington, have an illustrious history in the league.
"It is a shame but I don't know what the answer is unfortunately," said Mr Craven. "We are lucky in that we have got facilities for functions which are well used and we have supporters who follow us all over the place, especially on a Sunday if it is a nice day.
"We played at Accrington on Sunday and there were probably more Rishton supporters there than Accrington fans.
"The numbers watching cricket have been dwindling for years but we do have a good following."
One idea suggested - in fear that there could be other clubs who have similar troubles to Accrington in the future - is getting rid of professionals but the Rishton chairman doesn't agree.
"There has been talk about not having professionals as they are the biggest expense but you have got to have them," he said.
"Our current pro Saeed Anwar Junior has been a big influence this season in us having such a good start.
"He has been able to raise the team's game and has been brilliant.
"He sub-proed for Great Harwood on Sunday and got 89 and took four wickets, he is wanted by St Annes tomorrow to be their sub professional and is a man in demand. We are really pleased with him."
Church chairman Don Holt believes that, due to the finances, clubs may have to look closer to home for their paid men in the future.
"Cricket clubs are run on a tight budget but the social side and the cricket side does well at Church. Everyone works hard," said Mr Holt.
"But perhaps there will come a time when we don't get an international professional but look in England and get them from here.
"The problem with internationals is not only do you pay them but also have to finance their travel and their accomodation. I don't think you could ever do without a professional though as they bolster the gate .
"I would be amazed if Accrington folded for £10,000 and I am suprised they are in this position."
