Liddle hopes that his homework will pay off in Vase trip to Town
Sunderland West End manager Darren Liddle has been doing his homework ahead of his side’s FA Vase first qualifying round tie at Garforth Town.
The Northern Counties East League Premier Division side have become familiar opponents for North East clubs over the last two years.
Ryhope CW got the better of Garforth in last season’s competition with a 2-0 win at Wheatley Park and Whitley Bay sent the Miners out of this season’s FA Cup earlier this month.
West End representatives took in that latter tie and have also taken a chance to discuss Saturday’s opponents with Ryhope when the two sides met in a pre-season friendly last month.
L i d d l e i s re l i s h i n g th e challenge of taking on an opponent from outside of the region as they look to set up a second qualifying round home tie against Seaham Red Star.
He told The Echo: “We learnt a lot about going away from home in the Vase for the first time last season and it showed us how to prepare properly
“Part of that is trying to learn about the opposition and we have spoken to Ryhope about them, although they have added some new players since then.”
He added: “We went to watch them when they played Whitley Bay in the FA Cup too, so we have an idea what they are about.
“It’s massive for us, especially if we can get that home tie against Seaham Red Star because there would be a decent crowd for our first ever Vase tie at Ford Quarry.”
West End will be without Lee Smith (ankle), but otherwise has a full squad for the trip to Yorkshire.
Elsewhere in the competition, Didier Agathe goes looking for his first win as Durham
City manager when they host Thackley on Friday night.
Washington face a tough test as they visit Guisborough Town on Saturday and Chester-le-Street Town will also be up against it as they travel to Northern League Division One promotion contenders Shildon.
James Rowe is the only absentee from the Billingham Synthonia squad for their trip
to Bishop Auckland and local rivals Billingham Town have no new injury concerns as they prepare to take on Northallerton Town at the Calvert Stadium.
Top goalscorer Adam Lennox is a doubt for Jarrow’s visit to Steeton and Marc Lancaster and Ben Harmison will miss Ashington’s tie at Ryton & Crawcrook Albion.
Four-time Vase champi
ons Whitley Bay entertain Newc astle University a nd 2 0 1 5 Va s e w i n n e r s No r th Shields host Tow Law Town at the Daren Persson Stadium.
West Allotment Celtic face Penrith in their second meeting inside a week and Crook Town will hope to continue their fine form with a home win against Albion Sports.
Heaton Stannington visit Bedlington Terriers in an all
Northern League Division Two tie and Birtley Town will welcome Lancashire outfit Squires Gate at the Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium.
1981 Vase winners Whickham travel to Hall Lane to take on Willington and Newton Aycliffe will hope to build on their midweek win against Newcastle Benfield when they host Barnoldswick Town.