Two-time Vase winner Graydon wants West to taste same glory
Keith Graydon knows what it takes to win the FA Vase - and now he is hoping to create more memories with Sunderland West End.
The Irish midfielder experienced Wembley glory with Spennymoor Town and Morpeth Town during the last decade, and will be in the West End dugout for their first qualifying round home tie against North West Counties club Cleator Moor Celtic this weekend.
The West End joint-manager is looking forward to returning to action in a competition close to his heart - and revealed his mood is matched amongst his players too.
He told The Echo: “It’s a chance for the club to take a break from the league and get a bit of revenue in.
“There is a buzz around the lads ahead of the Vase, we want to have a run.
“We aren’t expected to win it, so there’s no pressure, but I’d like to get a couple of away days so the players can experience that.”
West End will be without the suspended Brad Forster and striker John Campbell is a doubt.
The Vase weekend gets under way tonight as out-ofform Washington face Thornaby at Ford Sports Complex.
Sunderland RCA kick off their run on Saturday with a home tie against Northern League newcomers Redcar Town, and Billingham Synthonia visit four-time winners
Whitley Bay.
Chester-le-Street Town could hand a debut to new signing Ben Chandler when they host Jarrow, and Easington Colliery are missing injured trio Niall McGoldrick,
Jack Pounder and Simon Todd for their home tie against Redcar Athletic.
2015 Vase winners North Shields travel to Padiham, and there is an all-Northern League Division One tie at
Sam Smith’s Park as Ashington visit Newcastle Benfield.
Willington have added former Darlington defender Matthew Lovegreen to their squad as they prepare to face Tow Law Town at Hall Lane.
West Allotment Celtic and Crook Town face sides from outside the region in their respective home ties against Steeton and Eccleshill United.
Newton Aycliffe travel to
Yorkshire to take on Campion, and Penrith visit Ilkley Town. Ryton and Crawcrook Albion will hope to pull off an upset at Bishop Auckland, and Carlisle City host Guisborough Town.