We’ll give it a Ryt go against the Mariners

RYTON and Crawcrook Albion manager Tony Fawcett has urged his side to “relish” tonight’s Durham Challenge Cup first round tie against South Shields.

The BetVictor NPL Premier Division leaders will visit Kingsley Park for the first time since March 2016 when the Mariners romped to a 4-0 victory in the Northern League Second Division.

Much has changed at both clubs since that rainy Saturday afternoon with the visitors now just three promotions from a place in the Football League and the Albion looking to return to the Northern League’s top tier for the first time since 2011.

Fawcett’s side go into the game on a high after Saturday’s 1-0 home win against promotion rivals Heaton Stannington left them in third place in the Division Two table.

They have secured notable wins over the likes of Ashington and Stockton Town in the Mitre Sports Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup this season – and the Albion boss believes that his side’s confidence is a sign of the “real progress” at the club.

He told The Chronicle: “We will, of course, give it our all against a very good South Shields side.

“I’m very proud of this group of players and hopefully we can perform to our highest levels as we go into the tie knowing that we are seen as massive underdogs.

“I feel like we’ve made real progress since I joined the club and I’m extremely proud of the achievements we’ve had as a club.

“Three years ago, this fixture may have filled us with dread.

“But now, these are the sort of occasions that almost seem to be a reward for all the hard work, so we should relish the night.”

Kick-off at Kingsley Park is at 7.30pm (£5 adults, £2 concessions).