Front-foot football key if Highwaymen are to upset Park Avenue

MORPETH Town manager Nicky Gray has challenged his side to “get on the front foot” as they look to pull off an FA Cup shock at National League North strugglers Bradford Park Avenue.

The Highwaymen head into the second qualifying round tie on the back of three consecutive wins – but they will have to overcome one statistic if they are to continue their quest to reach the first round proper for the first time in the club’s history.

Their hosts have gathered just six points from their opening 11 league games of the season – but they have all come against North East opposition after a win against Darlington and draws against Blyth Spartans, Gateshead and Spennymoor Town.

Gray said: “They are a team that are lacking in a little bit of confidence, so the key thing for us is to get a good start and get on the front foot. The club has never been to the first round, so that’s definitely a target.”

Dunston UTS will face a familiar opposition as they travel to Merseyside to face BetVictor NPL North West Division rivals Marine.

The two sides drew 1-1 at the Marine Travel Arena on the opening day of the league campaign.

Dunston will be without striker Mark Fitzpatrick, but will hope that Cedwyn Scott can continue the form that has brought him nine goals in his last nine games.

South Shields could end the weekend sat on top of the BetVictor NPL Premier Division table with a home win against second-placed Basford United.

The Mariners are sat three points and four places behind their visitors ahead of the game.