Switch to cup clash is welcome for Red Star’s boss Collingwood
Seaham Red Star manager Mark Collingwood admitted that his side’s FA Vase first round tie at Irlam will be a “welcome break” from their Northern League struggles.
A 7-1 defeat at Stockton Town in midweek saw Red Star slip to second from bottom in the Division One table and they have claimed just one win from their opening 11 league games so far this season.
The result on Teesside was hard to take for Collingwood after he had been enthused by his side’s performances in their recent defeats against Thornaby and West Auckland Town and their FA Vase win at Garforth Town.
They return to the competition with a trip to Greater Manchester this weekend – and the Red Star boss has admitted that his side are “up against it” as they look to reach the second round for the first time since 2016.
He told The Echo: “I think I would prefer a league game because we have to go on.
“We have more injuries, we have more patched-up players and are up against it.
“I saw a lot of light in the games against, I saw a ten-fold improvement, and I was optimistic going to Stockton on Wednesday,
“Then we concede five goals in 28 minutes – and what do you say?
“We improved in the second-half, but I was ashamed of the performance, that’s not one of my teams.
“It’s a welcome break from the league if we win, but it’s one tough day if we don’t.”
Collingwood has a number of selection issues ahead of the tie as Liam Hodgson (work commitments), Josh El co ate( cup-tied ), Mat ty Tumilty (ribs), Scott Young (knee) and Sean McRoberts (suspended) will all miss the trip to Silver Street.
Ryhope CW host Division One rivals Penrith in the only all-Northern League tie of the round.
Gary Pearson and Chris McCabe’ s side go into the game looking to build on last weekend’s win at Billingham Town and the impressive midweek home draw against Shildon.
Defender Danni Lay will be available for the last time before he starts a suspension for the red card he received against the Railwaymen.
Chris Trewick will face a late fitness test on an ankle injury, but there was some good news for Pearson and McCabe as Chris Williams returns to contention after recovering from a hamstring injury.