Tag: FA Cup

Northern League round-up: Dunston smash Whitley Bay and FA Cup replays

We round-up the midweek Northern League action, less league fixtures going ahead than scheduled due to FA Cup replays.

Eight teams remain unbeaten in Northern League Division One, following the midweek action.

The pick of the action was at the UTS Stadium, where Dunston smashed Whitley Bay 8-0. Mark Fitzpatrick could have had a hat-trick, scoring two and missing a penalty. Jack Elliott and Liam Brooks also hit doubles for the Gateshead club.

Dunston remain unbeaten, as well as Shildon who beat us 2-0 at Recreation Park.

In the FA Cup game featuring Northern League clubs on Tuesday, Guisborough beat Newton Aycliffe 2-0 away.

Wednesday’s action saw an added time winner at the Daren Persson stadium, Gerard Richardson converting for Ashington to give them a 1-0 win away at North Shields.

Another one came at Blyth AFC, David Robinson scoring in the 93rd minute to down West Auckland.

The other Newly-promoted teams Whickham and Hebburn faced off, Hebburn getting a 3-0 away win.

Consett smashed Penrith 6-1 away, Daniel Craggs scoring a hat-trick

Wednesday’s FA Cup replay action saw Heaton Stannington and Seaham Red Star go to extra-time following a 3-3 draw. The scores were level at 4-4 after extra-time and it took penalties to decide the tie, Seaham winning 4-2 on penalties.

Newcastle Benfield beat Stockton Town at Bishopton Road 3-0 to progress to the preliminary round.

Higher up the leagues, the North-East derby in the National League North between Darlington and Blyth Spartans ended in a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile, Spennymoor lost away from home to Bradford Park Avenue 1-0.

Gateshead remain unbeaten in the National League, earning a 1-1 away draw at Boreham Wood. Hartlepool also drew 1-1 away at Braintree.

 

FA Cup preview: Sunderland RCA vs Ryhope CW

“Only now do you realise how much it means to the lower level league clubs like ourselves and C.A.”

Those are the words of our manager Gary Pearson, as we prepare for the first Ryhope Derby of the season, in the FA Cup extra preliminary round.

Waiting for the winners of the derby is an away day at Clitheroe F.C., of the Evo-Stik League Division One West, in the preliminary round on the 25th of August.

Colliery Welfare have had bad luck in games against neighbours RCA, availability issues hitting us in both games last season as RCA did the double over us, beating us 3-1 at Recreation Park and 4-1 at Meadow Park.

The lads will hope for a little bit of the magic of the FA Cup as they look to end a run of four winless Ryhope derbies since promotion to Division One of the Northern League.

FA Cup extra preliminary round

Venue: Meadow Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NZ

Date: Saturday, August 11

Kick-Off: 3:00pm

Speaking ahead of the derby, Pearson said: “Growing up I didn’t realise the FA Cup started at this level. I’ve had a taste of the magic on numerous occasions at various levels as a player, all very enjoyable (apart from the defeats).”

“But only now as a non-league manager do you realise how much it means to the lower level league clubs like ourselves and the C.A.”

On the importance of the FA Cup to our season, Pearson added: “The progressive prize funding can really make a difference to the rest of your season, helping the financial burden on owners/chairmen/committee/fans etc.”

“All the best to all involved, enjoy the game and may the best team win (hopefully us),” the gaffer finished.

The opposition:

RCA took a narrow away defeat to Newcastle Benfield in their opening game of the season.

However, they followed that up with a midweek win over Whickham to get their first 3 points of the season, and in emphatic fashion with a 3-0 overhaul of the newly-promoted side.

Mixed signs from a side that had a very good campaign last time out where they finished 4th in Division One on 79 points.

Despite the lack of competitive Ryhope derbies, there’s plenty of history between the two sides.

RCA are managed by Martin Swales, who had a long spell in charge of Colliery Welfare, while their captain Greg Swansbury also had a successful spell with us.

Other former CW players on the books at the C.A. include forward Nathan O’Neill and midfielders Clayton and Jonathan Davis.

Meanwhile our squad also boasts former RCA players in Joey Melvin, Danni Lay and Josh Home-Jackson.

Views from the lads:

Captain Ben Riding is relishing the chance to play in the FA Cup, saying: “It’s a massive privilege to be involved in a massive competition like the FA Cup.”

“As a kid growing up watching the competition, to be playing in it is kind of a dream come true.”

“Let’s just hope we can have a good little run this year as it’s massive for the club as well as the players.”

Goalkeeper Jonny Ball is also looking forward to the competition, particularly with the added incentive of the Ryhope Derby: “There’s something special about playing in the FA Cup”

“It’s a great derby to be involved in, and even more so as it’s the FA Cup.”