Foot: Villagers have to believe

NORTH Ferriby, under new manager Paul Foot, take a break from league action when they travel to fellow Evostik Premier Division side South Shields tomorrow.

On the face of it, it is a daunting task to play a side that has a 100 per cent home record and has scored 17 goals and conceded just one at home.

However, Ferriby’s only win this season came in the home league fixture where the Villagers triumphed 3-0. That result hurt Shields and they will certainly want to make amends for that.

“It’s going to be a tough game. They will not only be wanting to win in order to progress in the Trophy but losing at Ferriby in August will have hurt them and they will want to correct that. That result means they will not be underestimating us,” said Foot.

“They have won all their home games and that is impressive. However, as they showed at Ferriby and elsewhere on their travels, they are not unbeatable. Shields will start favourites but all cup competitions throw up unexpected results and we have to believe that we can go there and get a win.

“I’ve told the lads that they have to believe in themselves and their ability. Believing in yourself gives you confidence. I’ve been told that the recent games could all have been won. However, things have often gone wrong in the final 20 minutes and games have been lost. Unfortunately, losing can be a habit, but so can winning and that is one that we have to develop.”

If Ferriby are to progress in the Buildbase Trophy,they will need to end a dreadful run in cup competitions that has not seen them win a match in regular play or extra-time since they defeated Ebbsfleet in 2015 on their way to winning at Wembley.

Midweek player departures have reduced the size of Foot’s squad.

Ferriby from: Lewis Exall, Ben Leyland, James Williamson, Jack Smith, James Piercy, Jack Mail, Joe Lamplough, Dan Nichols, Danny Norton, Charlie Dunkerley, Kent Bannister, Alex Knox, Josh Walker, Eddie Rogerson, Eddie Birch, Jordan Harrison, Johnny Saltmer, Alex Bannister