First-team manager Danny Grainger says tomorrow’s Buildbase FA Trophy tie at Glossop North End is a ‘big opportunity.’

After going top of the NPL North West table last weekend with a win at Ossett, Reds travel to Derbyshire in hope of advancing in the Third Qualifying Round.

Speaking ahead of last night’s training session, Grainger talked about the tie, firstly noting its importance.

“It’s a big opportunity, that’s the main thing for us and we need to make sure we take it,” he said.

“We need to be positive and make sure we’re ready for it.

“For the boys, it’s been good to have a few days of rest away from matches.”

Hosts Glossop have had a struggling start to their South East season, sitting on eight points after nine games with a minus 14 goal differential.

Following a 5-0 loss at Lincoln United last Saturday, the Hillmen will be looking to bounce back, something to our boss is well-aware of after Pontefract Collieries, our previous Trophy opponents, suffered a similar fate before welcoming us.

“They had a really poor result last week so their manager will be looking for a reaction,” stated Grainger.

“It’s very similar to the Pontefract game and I though we approached that very well, started on the front foot, got their early goal and gave ourselves a really good platform to build on.

“We need to do the same on Saturday against another team a little bit low on confidence.

“Because if we don’t start properly, they’ve got the potential to cause us damage us and knock us out.”

Every fit member of the squad is seeing game time due to the demanding run of fixtures, and the gaffer gave us some news ahead of the trip to North End.

“We’re definitely missing one which is a real disappointment but it’s something we have to deal with,” he revealed.

“There’s two that are touch and go so I don’t know if they’ll be able to start yet.”

Grainger added: “That’s what the squad’s for.

“They have to step up now because we can’t just rely on the same people week in, week out.

“The injuries at the start of the season showed that when we’re carried on our fine form from last season with some players unavailable.”

Finally, although on the road tomorrow, the manager commented on our continued home sell-outs, as on Tuesday, next weekend’s match against Marske United sold out with 11 days to spare.

“You look at it two ways: one that it’s unbelievable support and the other a missed opportunity in my eyes,” explained Grainger.

“With the amount of fans that want to be there watching us, particularly at home, it’s really disappointing.

“Whether we’re at home or away, we get their support and I can’t speak highly enough of them.”

He continued: “Last week, away from home, the fans are signing and getting behind the lads and they’re enjoying the performances.

“I think that’s massive for us.

“It’s brilliant the fact that we’re selling out so far in advance but it’s also a disappointment when you think how many could be there.”

Kick-off tomorrow at The Amdec Forklift Stadium is at 3pm.