Cup clashes don’t come much bigger than this
DUNSTON GAME IS ‘MASSIVE,’ SAYS JAMES
DUNSTON UTS chairman Malcolm James believes their FA Cup third qualifying round tie against Chester is a bigger game than their FA Vase final appearance six years ago.
The Northern League Division One club saw off league rivals West Auckland Town at Wembley in 2012 as Andrew Bulford’s brace saw them add their name to an ever-growing list of Vase winners in the region.
Dunston host the former Football League outfit at the UTS Stadium with £15,000 in prize money up for grabs for the winners.
James hailed the game as a “massive boost” for his club and is hopeful the region will throw its weight behind the efforts to pull off an FA Cup shock.
He said: “It is massive, absolutely massive for us.
“Chester are an ex-Football
League club.
“It is the biggest game we have had since the FA Vase final at Wembley in 2012.
“We are playing for £15,000 on Saturday and when we won the FA Vase in 2012 we received £15,000 for winning it. It is a massive, massive boost for the club.
“I think this game is probably a bit bigger because of who we are playing.
“Last Saturday we had nearly 400 here against Consett and hopefully, with interest throughout the region with Newcastle being away, we can pull in a few on Saturday and get a few behind us.
“Hopefully, Chester will bring a few as well and if we can match that I think it will be a great day.”
Dunston manager Chris Swailes has only one player missing the game as defender Michael Hall is unavailable - but midfielder Aidan Haley will face a late fitness test.
■ NORTHERN League Division One side Newcastle Benfield have confirmed veteran striker Paul Brayson will be in charge for their home game against Newton Aycliffe.
Brayson steps in after the departure of manager Mark Convery on Wednesday night.
Former North Shields manager Jon McDonald is interested in the vacancy and former Benfield manager Tom Wade has also expressed interest in returning to the club he helped to a historic double in the 2010/11 season.
Table-topping Hebburn Town will hope to extend their impressive start to the season with a home win against Whitley Bay.
Hornets’ manager Scott Oliver will take a late check on the fitness of midfielder Andrew Stephenson and defender Dan Groves ahead of the game.
The Seahorses will hand another start to former North Shields goalkeeper Chris Bannon after he made his debut in Tuesday night’s defeat at Sunderland RCA.
Second-placed Consett are without midfielder Dan Hawkins for their home game against West Auckland Town.
Midfielder Mark Doninger will make his home debut as Whickham look for a first home league success of the season when they host North Shields.
Matthew Wade has been ruled out of Ashington’s home game against Seaham Red Star.
The Colliers are also missing the suspended Zak Atkinson.
Ryhope CW welcome back Danni Lay, Josh Home-Jackson and Shaun Pickford for their home game against Guisborough Town.
Third meets fifth as Sunderland RCA travel to Bishop Auckland.
Division Two leaders Chester-leStreet Town visit Crook Town as they look to open up a gap at the top of the table.
Heaton Stannington have a full squad available as they entertain Northallerton Town at Grounsell Park.