Scouting trip leaves Collingwood in expectation of a ‘massive’ test
A scouting trip to assess FA Cup opponents Crook Town has left Seaham Red Star manager Mark Collingwood in no doubt his side face “a massive test” this weekend.
Collingwood and assistant Simon Johnson watched on as Jamie Tunstall’s side fell to a defeat by the odd goal in five at Newcastle Benfield on Wednesday night.
The Black and Ambers put in a stubborn display before falling to a late goal from Paul Brayson.
But their performance left a big impression on the Red Star boss ahead of Saturday’s extra preliminary round tie at the Ferguson Motor Repairs Stadium.
He told The Echo: “They looked fit, they looked up for it and they look good going forward.
“They are new to the first division, but they gave a good account of themselves at Benfield, they were possibly even the better side.
“It will be a massive test for us on Saturday.
“We want to get off to a good start at home, we want new faces through the gates and a good run in the FA Cup will go a long way to doing that.”
Collingwood is boosted by the return of Liam Hodgson, Thomas Lawson and Joe Kerridge.
Sunderland RCA manager Steve Riley faces a reunion with former club Bishop Auckland when they visit the Sunderland LGV Park, and
Ryhope CW hit the road to visit Northern Counties East League club Goole.
The North East FA Cup weekend gets under way on Friday night with an eyecatching tie at the Glebe
Sports Ground as Whickham face Northern League Division One rivals Consett.
Elsewhere on Saturday, two of the Northern League’s big hitters meet on North Tyneside as North Shields host West Auckland Town, and Ashington will hope to continue their promising start to the season when they entertain Division One rivals Newcastle Benfield.
West Allotment Celtic travel to Billingham Town, in-form Newton Aycliffe entertain Thornaby and Redcar Athletic feature in the FA Cup for the first time with their home tie against Hemsworth MW.
Guisborough Town travel to Cumbria to take on Penrith, and Whitley Bay will hope another good cup run will get under way when they host North Ferriby at Hillheads.