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Vase Fever Builds In Runcorn
Preparations are well under way in advance of Runcorn Town’s FA Vase Fourth Round replay at home to Billingham Synthonia on Saturday.
A 0-0 draw in the first game last weekend means the two sides play to a finish at the Pavilions on Saturday, and Town Secretary Martin Fallon says that they are hopeful of a good turn out on the day.
“Having the replay the following Saturday from the first game helps enormously, as it has given us a week to get the game advertised so that as many people can attend as possible.
“The committee have been around the town putting posters up, and a lot of people are talking about the game, particularly when they realise that the tie is in the last 32. The old Runcorn FC went to Wembley three times in the 80s and 90s in the FA Trophy, so there is interest in the town when FA Competitions come around.
“We have been pretty lucky that it is FA Cup weekend also, as Everton are playing on the Friday evening whilst Liverpool v Man United is the lunchtime kick off on Saturday. A lot of people who we don’t normally see at games have indicated that they will be watching the Liverpool game, and then coming down to watch us after that. Hopefully we can attract a good attendance to Pavilions to cheer us on and help us to the last 16.
“I have had loads of telephone calls from further afield such as Northampton, Sheffield and London asking me whether the game is in any doubt on Saturday and how much it is to get in. They tell me that they have read it was a close and competitive game last weekend, and feel that Saturday’s will be a similar match.
“We have had some rain this week but the pitch is holding up really well and the forecast for the rest of the week will mean the pitch will be in perfect condition.
“We have also reached the stage of the competition where media outlets who might not otherwise start to take an interest. Radio Merseyside and Radio Tees have been in touch for interviews, local station HCR always give us a good report on their Wednesday Sports Show, whilst no doubt Mr McGarry and Co. at Radio Lancashire’s Non League Hour on Friday night will also help advertise the game!
“The difference between last Saturday’s tie and this Saturday’s replay is that we both enter the game knowing that a home tie against Bournemouth is the reward for victory. They will not relish travelling the long distance to either team, and it is a good incentive to get through.
“We know it won’t be easy. Billingham have yet to concede a goal in the FA Vase after winning 2-0, 4-0 and drawing 0-0 on Saturday. They have also not conceded a goal in their last three games.
“But Simon (Burton) and Danny (Salt) will ensure that the players minds are firmly concentrated on the task in hand instead of looking ahead, and hopefully if we play as we can do, then we can go one better than last season and progress through to the last 16”.





