Colly: I don’t want to be just gallant losers, I want us to beat Markse
Seaham Red Star manager Mark Collingwood has revealed there is a change of mentality amongst his squad ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup first qualifying round tie at Marske United.
A preliminary round replay win at Redcar Athletic set Red Star up for their visit to the in-form Northern Premier League East Division club.
Collingwood’s initial reaction to the draw was for his squad to “enjoy the occasion”.
But he is now aiming to pull off what would be a major upset against the high-flying Seasiders.
He told the Echo: “It’s cup football, it’s 90 minutes, so if you lose, you lose, you’re still out of the cup.
“We may as well go down there and have a go, we won’t just thrown 11 behind the ball. I don’t want to be just gallant losers, I want to win.
“We are massive underdogs, nobody expects us to win, but if we play to full capacity and they have an offday, we have every chance.
“We want to win this game.”
A pulled hamstring has ruled Liam Hodgson out of the tie and Collingwood will hand late fitness tests to midfielder Mark Robinson and top goalscorer Adam Lennox.
Sunderland RCA are also in FA Cup action as they host former Northern League rivals Stockton Town.
Manager Steve Riley will welcome Max Allen and Greg Swansbury back into contention and hand a fitness test to veteran striker Andrew Johnson, as his side look to reach the second qualifying round for only the second time in their history.
Ryhope CW will hope to bounce back from their midweek defeat against Newton Aycliffe when they travel to Bishop Auckland in Northern League Division One.
League leaders Consett host Whitley Bay at Belle View, and unbeaten Thornaby will look for a sixth win in nine games when they entertain West Auckland Town.
New signing Harry Pilkington could start for Guisborough Town when they visit out-of-form Billingham Town, and Ashington are without Max Emmerson, Bobby Taylor and Dean Briggs for their home game against Whickham.
Crook Town are targeting a fourth consecutive win when they take on Northallerton Town at Millfield, and Newcastle Benfield are without the suspended Abu Salim for their home game against Penrith.