MATCH PREVIEW: Forget the Cup (for now)
Danny Grainger’s team have three important league fixtures in the next eight days before they can switch attention to the FA Cup.
Their excellent 7-0 victory at West Allotment Celtic at the weekend was rewarded with a plum tie at South Shields in the next round. They will travel to the 1st Cloud Arena (Mariners Park) to play Kevin Phillips’ NPL Premier Division outfit in the First Qualifying Round on 3 September.
But, somehow, Reds have to forget about another trip to the north east until they get some league points on the board with home games tomorrow and next Monday with a Saturday trip to Witton Albion sandwiched in between.
Top of the agenda is Tuesday’s home clash v. Trafford which will be played on a pristine Borough Park surface after the players got the job done on a patchy, dry surface at the weekend.
It wasn’t ideal but the players’ mental approach made sure it wasn’t a problem and that same attitude will be needed to take on a decent Trafford outfit who always play well in West Cumbria.
They went out of the Cup to Runcorn Linnets but have four league points in the bank already – thanks to a home draw v. Colne (1-1) and a decent win at Skelmersdale United (3-2).
Trafford were here as recently as March when Reds were fortunate to win by the odd goal, whilst the previous two meetings on our patch resulted as 2-2 draws. It will be the 18th encounter between the clubs, all of which under the NPL banner.
Kick-off is 7.45 pm.
