Foley urges Mariners to clinch dream final date at Wembley
David Foley has urged South Shields to grasp their Wembley dream – as they may never get another chance.
The Mariners take on Coleshill Town in the second leg of the FA Vase semi-final tomorrow, defending a 2-1 lead.
Foley said: “It’s a dream to play at Wembley.
“It’s potentially a once-ina-lifetime opportunity and hopefully we can grasp it.”
Shields will be backed by a ground record-breaking crowd of about 3,500.
Ex-Hartlepool United forward Foley added: “The whole town is behind us. As a Shields lad, it’s fantastic to be in the middle of it all. We can’t take Coleshill lightly, because they have some very dangerous players and caused us problems last week.
“The tie is nowhere near over and we know there is a very difficult match ahead.”
Easington Colliery boss Paul Frame is wary of a determined Esh Winning side in tomorrow’s Northern League Second Division clash.
Esh are desperate for points in their battle to move off the bottom of the table, but Easington are aiming to get back to winning ways after their narrow loss to leaders Team Northumbria last weekend.
Manager Frame said: “We played well at Team Northumbria and we were unfortunate not to get anything from it.
“Esh Winning are a good side on their day and are desperate for points, but we’ll be looking for all three points.”
Aidan Goodey again looks likely to miss out due to injury and the game has probably come too early for Jake Fenton.
Esh Winning boss Tony Boakes said: “We have just signed Matthew Soulsby and Ethan Stephenson and they both should be playing.
“Kai Hewitson is missing, but Mark Fish and James Huntley both return from holiday. It’s vital we get some points this weekend.”
Durham City entertain lowly Darlington RA at Consett and, following three good performances for the visitors, visiting manager Peter Mulcaster will be naming an unchanged side.
Willington, dragged closer to trouble near the foot of the table after some disappointing results in recent weeks, are away to Hebburn Town.
The hosts have eight players returning from holiday, plus Adam Rundle and Dan Reeves return from injury.
Chris Summers has a slight groin injury and needs a fitness test, but Glen Hargrave is suspended and Will JarvisSmith is missing. James Davidson, who came in last week, is out for the rest of the season with a groin problem.
Manager Scott Oliver said “Last Saturday was a big disappointment and we need to bounce back.
“We are hoping for another good crowd as everyone enjoyed themselves against Tow Law and I hope people are planning to return.
“We want to finish in an FA Cup qualifying place. We trained well on Wednesday and are hoping for a good end to our season.”
Second-placed Billingham Synthonia host leaders Team Northumbria in what lcould be a pivotal match.
Austin Johnston serves the first of a five-game suspension, but otherwise the Synners have a full squad to choose from, including Matthew Crust, who returns after missing four games with a groin injury.
Fourth-top Billingham Town - seven points adrift of the promotion places - travel to a full-strength Bedlington.
Terriers manager Paddy Atkinson said: “Billingham Town are very good team and are well coached, with quality players and will be looking for the three points.”
Tonight, struggling Thornaby, entertain high-flying neighbours Stockton Town at Teesdale Park.
Third-top Stockton travel with a full-strength squad.
Kevin Hayes returns from a three match ban and Tony Johnson recovered from a back injury to manage 10 minutes last week, with no adverse reaction.