MATCH PREVIEW: Cup football in focus
After Reds’ long unbeaten run in the league came to a disappointing end on Tuesday, the focus this week is on knock-out football, first in the FA Trophy then the Cumberland Cup – on Saturday and Wednesday respectively.
Dunston travel across the A69 for the Second Qualifying Round of the Trophy and, after three away ties last season, it will be good to be back on home soil to welcome our good friends from the north east.
We waited many years to become league rivals with Dunston then, after just one game, the clubs were parted by a world-wide pandemic then a re-structure of football at Step 4.
They are now based in NPL East and are currently in 8th position with 13 points from nine matches – a good solid start to their third campaign in the league. Chris Swailes’ side have already one Trophy victory to their credit after overcoming Worksop Town (3-2) in the previous round. Last week, they collected another three points in the league following a 2-1 success over Ossett United.
Chris Willcock will have the opportunity to rest some of the squad who have played when carrying knocks or turning out when not fully fit recently, before the league programme resumes next week.
The tie will be decided on the day, via penalties if the scores are level after ninety minutes. Prize money for this round will be split once again with the winners awarded £2,250 and the losers collecting £575.
Dunston last visited Borough Park on Boxing Day 2019 when, in mud-bath conditions, Reds emerged 4-1 winners. A similar outcome is unlikely but the playing surface will be much better than last time.
Kick-off: 3pm
Match tickets can be bought up to kick off at the club office or bought online here: link
