FA CUP QUALIFYING

HEBBURN Town manager Kevin Bolam is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against former Newcastle United favourite Steve Watson tomorrow.

The Hornets hit the road to face Watson’s York City side in their first FA Cup second qualifying round tie for a decade.

The meeting with the National League North club offers a significant challenge for Bolam and his players as he they take on a Minstermen side sat two levels above them in the non-league system.

However, the Hornets’ boss has revealed his determination to use the experience to help the club “move forwards,” no matter what the result is.

He said: “From a personal point of view, it is a fantastic tie.

“I watched Steve many a time from the stands at St James’ Park and playing a side managed by him makes the day even more special.

“We can dream, it is the FA Cup, and it allows clubs like us to dream.

“However, we are realistic and we know it is a massive task.

“We will enjoy the day no matter what, we will use the experience to move forward and we will have a go and see what happens.”

■■BLYTH Spartans will check on the fitness of Dan Maguire and Nathan Buddle ahead of their home tie with Northern Premier League club FC United of Manchester.

Spartans’ manager Michael Nelson hopes to receive positive news ahead of what he called “a tough game.”

He said: “We may have players back so we can give some gametime to them. The squad has been coping well but their return will give us a bit of a boost.

“It will be a tough game but we are expecting a good crowd here because I am sure they will bring a few and I am sure we will have a lot of support behind us.”

■■MANAGERLESS Morpeth Town have a number of injury problems ahead of their tie with Lancaster City with Liam Henderson, Wayne Phillips, Chris Reid, Connor Oliver, Sam Hodgson and Stephen Forster all expected to miss the game at Craik Park.

■■SOUTH Shields also have injury concerns ahead of their trip to Marske United.

Mariners’ boss Graham Fenton will be missing Joao Gomes (knee), Nathan Lowe (hamstring) and Jordan Hunter (broken arm) as his side faces a tough-looking tie.