The FA Vase returns to The Ryhope Recreation Park for the first time since October 2019. On that occasion, it was a First Round match and CW took the spoils and progressed past Ashton Athletic. Twelve months on, Gaz and Tadge aim for progression again, this time against Penrith AFC.
The visitors have progressed further than CW in this competition, having made it a far as the 3rd round, however, they have not progressed past the first round in the past 6 seasons. Penrith sits six points behind CW in the league where they have only won two games with eight defeats.
Penrith progressed through the Second Qualifying Round with a 2-1 away win at Brandon Utd. Prior to that, they progressed through the First Qualifying Round on penalties away to West Allotment Celtic after a 3-3 draw in normal time.
Previous First Round has resulted in a goal feast, in 2017 CW put 10 past Harrogate RA only to be eliminated by the City of Liverpool in the next round. It was a Second Round exit last season after a controversial away farce at Vauxhall Motors in Liverpool.
CW come into today’s game on the back of a league win against Billingham Town last Saturday and then a home draw at home to Shildon after going down to 10 men.
There are concerns for James Ellis and Christopher Trewick who will need a late fitness test ahead of the game. Thomas Scothern is not available for selection due to being cup-tied. Chris Wallace is fit again and available for selection after missing several weeks.