FA Vase Previews
Thu 11th November 2010 | FA Competition News | By Ian Templeman
This Saturday sees nine of our clubs in action in the Second Round of the FA Vase.
Our league has had a good record in the competition in recent years and two all Vodkat League ties mean we are guaranteed at least two representatives in the Third Round.
Those who enjoy a flutter may be interested to learn that Skybet have produced odds for all of the ties in this Saturday's games in the Vase, and the betting prices for the games involving our clubs are shown after each individual match preview.
Formby v Bacup Borough
An all-Premier Division clash sees Formby host Bacup Borough at Altcar Lane. The sides met on league business at Bacup in mid-October when the home side ran out 3-1 winners, although Formby have recorded four wins in their five games since then.
Formby manager Gary Martindale said: "This will be a tough game for Formby as Bacup beat us in the league away from home.
"But the Vase is a massive game for the Club and the venue for the final is a massive incentive to the lads.
"We have won the last 4 out of 5 games and the team are continually improving, and with this being a home game, we fancy our chances on pulling off a result for the Club."
Bacup have also been in good form recently, and after going out of the Vase at the same stage last season when they lost at Crook Town, manager Brent Peters is hoping for further progress this time around. However, he is under no illusions about the size of the task.
"Every team currently left in the competition will find there will not be any easy games from now on in. However, where teams have been paired together from the same league I cannot help feeling that these ties will prove to be the most difficult ties to get through.
"To start with, the Vodkat League Premier Division is one of the toughest competitions. Irrespective of current league positions, every team in the Premier Division is more than capable of beating any other of their rivals. The fact also that we are competing in the same competition week in and week out does mean we do know that bit more about Formby, and likewise Formby know that bit more about us than a team from another area would.
"Over the years, irrespective of league positions, Formby are one club that will always make any team work really hard for anything they may get. They are always a difficult hard working battling team that give everything until the very end of the game, and Saturday will be no exception.
"The added bonus for Formby is that they have been drawn at home. This season to date we at Bacup Borough have made our Brian Boys West View Stadium somewhat of a fortress, having not been beaten there to date, so to that end I would have much preferred an home draw,
"One thing will be an absolute certainty. Myself and my team of Andy Hill and Jimmy Petruzzi will ensure our players will be conditioned and prepared the best they can be. The rest will be down to the individual and collectively the entire team in its entirety. If they take everything on board and respond positively, then hopefully we will be in the third round draw."
Skybet odds: Formby 2/1, Bacup Borough Evens, Draw 5/2
AFC Blackpool v AFC Liverpool
Another close encounter looks likely at The Mechanics, where AFC Blackpool host fellow Division One side AFC Liverpool. Both sides have reached this stage by beating opponents from a step higher in the pyramid - the Seasiders have previously taken care of Premier Division opponents in Squires Gate and Maine Road in the previous rounds, whereas AFC Liverpool's progress has been at the expense of Hallam and Dinnington Town, both of whom play in the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League,.
AFC Blackpool manager Stuart Parker said: "Our club's been in the doldrums in recent years, but we are having a good season, and for us to still be in three cups right now is fantastic. We are all enjoying it, and we want to go as far as we can in each competition.
"I think it's as tough a tie as anyone could have. I thought AFC Liverpool got the breaks when they beat us in the league in September, but they are a good side. They have been a little bit inconsistent at times this season, but I expect them to be up there challenging for promotion at the end of the season.
"If we go out and play to our full capability, we've got the ability to beat them, but I feel there's not much between the sides. It could be down to one piece of magic on the day that makes the difference - Steve Jones did it for them when we played them in September, and this time it might be Niall Cummins or Ben Waddington that does it for us."
From the visitors' camp, AFC Liverpool Board Member Craig Howard said: "We always have the utmost respect for our opponents and there is no doubt that AFC Blackpool will form a stern test on the Fylde Coast this Saturday, and their manager will make sure he has his team well organised on the day.
"But with our manager Paul Moore at the helm, we believe we have the belief, desire and confidence required to get a result on Saturday. We have key players Karl Gornell and Steve Jones hitting form at the right time, River Humphries back from suspension plus the arrival of new signings David Mather and Sean Ferguson, so hopefully the Reds will come away with a victory".
Skybet odds: AFC Blackpool 11/10, AFC Liverpool 7/4, Draw 13/5
Norton & Stockton Ancients v Irlam
Irlam's excellent form in the Vase so far has seen them overcome Premier Division opponents in Winsford United and Colne to reach this stage of the competition for the first time, and they travel up to the North East to face a side that proved to be a nemesis for Vodkat League clubs last season.
Norton & Stockton Ancients from the Northern League overcame Padiham, Bootle and New Mills on a run that took them to the quarter finals last season. That run saw them exempt from the competition until now and they will no doubt be looking to make an impact again in the Vase this season. While they sit in eight spot in the First Division of the Northern League, a glance at their form shows their away record is better than their home record, with 4 wins, a draw and 3 defeats from their eight home league games so far.
Irlam Secretary Warren Dodd says everyone at Silver Street is looking forward to the trip.
"We have had a great season so far, and under the management of Ryan Gilligan the players have showed a real competitive edge, leading to Ryan justly deserving of the manager of the month award for October.
"Although we once again seem to have played more league fixtures than anyone else, we are well placed in the current table, and it's our cup form that has really impressed. The disappointment of exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Chadderton has been erased with strong showings in the Challenge Trophy and the FA Vase.
"We know a basic amount of information about Norton, and it helped us that FC United were up there a couple of weeks ago, and Ryan has been in touch with his contacts there to give us an idea on strengths and weaknesses.
"We also had a home game watched a couple of weeks ago and our representative was made very welcome by the Club. They currently sit in 8th spot in their league at present, narrowly defeating West Allotment Celtic 1-0 at home last weekend.
"I think that although they are from a higher league competition than us, we are comfortably punching above our weight at the moment and we are certainly not contemplating defeat at the weekend. We want our Vase run to continue!"
Skybet odds:Â Norton & Stockton Ancients 4/7, Irlam 4/1, Draw 5/2
New Mills v Ashington
The Millers were the longest standing Vodkat League representatives in last season's FA Vase before eventually going out at home in the 5th Round against Norton & Stockton Ancients and Ashington, another Northern League side, provide the opposition at Church Lane on Saturday.
The small North East town's most famous footballing link is that of being the birthplace of the Charlton brothers Bobby and Jack, and also Jackie Milburn, but the present day footballing representatives from the town come to the High Peak on the back of a five game unbeaten run, and having scored 13 goals in their three Vase games already this season. There's no lack of confidence in their ranks, and Ashington skipper Steve Shaw is talking up his side's chances in their local press.
Speaking to newspostleader.co.uk he said: "I've heard a lot about them (New Mills) doing really well and being at the top of their league, but if we play the way we can with the right workrate, commitment and attitude then at our level we have got no one to fear.
"Going into any Vase game, I think we can win. We'll show them the respect they deserve but no more. We have earned the right to play on Saturday and are more than capable of bringing the right result home."
Ashington chairman Ian Lavery said: "We're all very much looking forward to the cup tie at New Mills on Saturday afternoon.
"There should be a number of buses travelling full of enthusiastic and committed Ashington supporters who are looking forward to a victory and progression in the FA Carlsberg Vase and we'll keep our fingers crossed hoping that the journey back will be a happy one."
New Mills Secretary Duncan Hibbert says everyone at the club is aware of the threat posed by their opponents in the Millers first taste of Vase action this season.
"With Whitley Bay having great success in the competition over the last couple of years, there is no doubt that teams from The Northern League have a good pedigree and will be very competitive in the Vase again this season, so we're under no illusions about how difficult a tie we face against Ashington on Saturday.
"But saying that, we have home advantage and that can prove crucial in one off cup ties. After a bit of a dip in form about a month ago, we've won our last three games and the goals have started to flow again from different areas of the pitch, which has been encouraging.
"Everybody is eagerly anticipating the game as it kicks off a very important couple of weeks for the Club, as we have Premier Division games against Congleton and Ramsbottom to follow."
Skybet odds: New Mills 1/2, Ashington 9/2, Draw 11/4
Bootle v Shildon
Bootle have produced some eye catching performances in the Vase in recent years, running eventual winners Whitley Bay close in the Fourth Round two years ago, and they again reached the same stage of the competition last season when they fell at the hands of Norton & Stockton Ancients, who went on to eliminate New Mills in the next round.
This time around, the Bucks once again have been drawn against tough Northern League opposition in Shildon, who sit in third place in the Northern League Division One, just two points off the top. The visitors' away form has been impressive to say the least so far this season, with six wins and three draws in nine away league games.
What's more, Shildon's leading scorer is a man with a recent history of causing problems for Vodkat League clubs in the Vase - Sonny Andrews, whose hat trick against Padiham and two goals against New Mills last season ended both clubs' interest in the competition. He is no less potent this season, with 18 goals to his name so far.
None the less, Bootle manager Chris O'Brien is confident his side have enough in the tank to progress through to the next round.
"It's a massive game and a massive competition for all clubs at this level, and that includes ourselves and Shildon who we face on Saturday. The North-East club are in excellent form coming up to this one, scoring 25 goals in their last six games whilst only conceding three..
"But we are in pretty good form ourselves, winning three and drawing three, and after putting six past Runcorn Linnets in the League Challenge Cup last weekend, the lads' tails are up, and it's sure to be a cracking game."
Skybet odds: Bootle 7/4, Shildon 11/10, Draw 13/5
Eccleshill United v Runcorn Town
Runcorn Town's latest voyage of discovery in the Vase takes them to a venue about 11 miles south east of Silsden's Asda Foundation Stadium in the Wrose area of Bradford, to face fellow step 6 side Eccleshill United of the Northern Counties East League Division One.
The game marks Runcorn's third successive away game in the competition, and after two "giant killing" acts so far against Parkgate and Atherton LR, they will face off against a team at the same level as themselves.
Eccleshill occupy a mid table slot in their league, although their recent form has been good with nine goals in their past three league games. Hopes of a midweek spying mission for the Runcorn management team were dashed when United's home game against Bradford Park Avenue in the West Riding Cup was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch, but despite that, Runcorn Town Secretary Martin Fallon is upbeat about the team's prospects
"The start we have made since joining the Vodkat League in August has been fantastic, and one of the reasons that we wanted to achieve Vodkat League status is so that we could enter competitions such as the FA Vase. Although the Vodkat League is obviously our number one priority, the FA Vase represents a chance for us to showcase our name throughout the country, and the longer we stay in the competition, the more people will get to know Runcorn Town.
"So far in the competition, we have acquitted ourselves well and managed to overcome experienced teams at this level in Parkgate and Atherton LR. Eccleshill are up next, and like all teams we are facing this season, we do not know a lot about them other than what we can find out on websites and in their local press.
"One advantage we did have was that they drew in the previous round which meant that our manager (Simon Burton) and assistant (Danny Salt) could travelled over to Bradford to watch them and see how they play. Hopefully they have identified a few areas that we can capitalise on this Saturday!
"Eccleshill will start favourites as they have been playing in the Vase since 1988 and have reached the last 16 before know. They have also knocked out two sides so far from higher leagues and results over the last few weeks have shown that they are clicking into gear with two big wins, including a 5-1 win over the league leaders Staveley MW.
"Having said that, we are not doing too bad ourselves with James McShane leading the goalscoring charts in Division One with 15 goals and Marvin Molyneux being rewarded for his form with Vodkat Player of the Month for September.
"With both sides playing well, Saturday promises to be a great game. Hopefully if we can play as we have been doing, we will be able to take our place in the hat on Monday and continue on with our first ever FA Vase campaign."
Skybet odds: Eccleshill United Evens, Runcorn Town 2/1, Draw 5/2
Winterton Rangers v St Helens Town
St Helens Town are, of course, the only former winners of the Vase who are flying the Vodkat League flag in this season's competition, and they will be hoping to maintain their good form against teams from the Northern Counties East League when they make the trip across to Scunthorpe to face Winterton Rangers.
A decade has passed since the two teams' only previous meeting, and Town will be hoping to emulate their 2-3 extra time victory at West Street back in October 2000 which earned them a place in the 2nd Round of the FA Vase. That season saw Town record one of its best runs since their Wembley victory in 1987, going on to reach Round 5 before bowing out 3-1 at eventual finalists Berkhamsted Town.
With club sponsors Johnson Toyota Liverpool offering to cover the costs of any fan travelling on the official team coach, the hope is that Saints will backed by a decent sized support. The welcome for the travelling support may be warm off the pitch, but on the field Saints will face formidable opponents in a Winterton side that has won five of their seven home league games this season and warmed up for Saturday's encounter by winning 5-0 at Hallam last weekend.
Town Chairman John McKiernan said: "It's been some time since we've had a decent FA Vase run, having lost out in our first game in the competition in each of the past five seasons."
"This is our first away trip in this season's competition, with our previous three victories over Brodsworth Welfare (8-1), Worsbrough Bridge Athletic (4-0) and Oldham Boro (2-1) all on 'home' soil despite the first two taking place at Atherton Collieries and the latter at Ashton Town!!"
"We've no doubts that Winterton will provide tough opposition on Saturday and their record this season shows they don't concede too many goals, especially at home. On the plus side we have a great scoring record this campaign and Liam Pearson is in fine form with 9 goals in nine games during October."
Skybet odds: Winterton Rangers Evens, St Helens Town 2/1, Draw 5/2
Good luck to all our sides at the weekend!
FA Vase Previews
Thu 11th November 2010 | FA Competition News
By Ian Templeman
This Saturday sees nine of our clubs in action in the Second Round of the FA Vase.
Our league has had a good record in the competition in recent years and two all Vodkat League ties mean we are guaranteed at least two representatives in the Third Round.
Those who enjoy a flutter may be interested to learn that Skybet have produced odds for all of the ties in this Saturday's games in the Vase, and the betting prices for the games involving our clubs are shown after each individual match preview.
Formby v Bacup Borough
An all-Premier Division clash sees Formby host Bacup Borough at Altcar Lane. The sides met on league business at Bacup in mid-October when the home side ran out 3-1 winners, although Formby have recorded four wins in their five games since then.
Formby manager Gary Martindale said: "This will be a tough game for Formby as Bacup beat us in the league away from home.
"But the Vase is a massive game for the Club and the venue for the final is a massive incentive to the lads.
"We have won the last 4 out of 5 games and the team are continually improving, and with this being a home game, we fancy our chances on pulling off a result for the Club."
Bacup have also been in good form recently, and after going out of the Vase at the same stage last season when they lost at Crook Town, manager Brent Peters is hoping for further progress this time around. However, he is under no illusions about the size of the task.
"Every team currently left in the competition will find there will not be any easy games from now on in. However, where teams have been paired together from the same league I cannot help feeling that these ties will prove to be the most difficult ties to get through.
"To start with, the Vodkat League Premier Division is one of the toughest competitions. Irrespective of current league positions, every team in the Premier Division is more than capable of beating any other of their rivals. The fact also that we are competing in the same competition week in and week out does mean we do know that bit more about Formby, and likewise Formby know that bit more about us than a team from another area would.
"Over the years, irrespective of league positions, Formby are one club that will always make any team work really hard for anything they may get. They are always a difficult hard working battling team that give everything until the very end of the game, and Saturday will be no exception.
"The added bonus for Formby is that they have been drawn at home. This season to date we at Bacup Borough have made our Brian Boys West View Stadium somewhat of a fortress, having not been beaten there to date, so to that end I would have much preferred an home draw,
"One thing will be an absolute certainty. Myself and my team of Andy Hill and Jimmy Petruzzi will ensure our players will be conditioned and prepared the best they can be. The rest will be down to the individual and collectively the entire team in its entirety. If they take everything on board and respond positively, then hopefully we will be in the third round draw."
Skybet odds: Formby 2/1, Bacup Borough Evens, Draw 5/2
AFC Blackpool v AFC Liverpool
Another close encounter looks likely at The Mechanics, where AFC Blackpool host fellow Division One side AFC Liverpool. Both sides have reached this stage by beating opponents from a step higher in the pyramid - the Seasiders have previously taken care of Premier Division opponents in Squires Gate and Maine Road in the previous rounds, whereas AFC Liverpool's progress has been at the expense of Hallam and Dinnington Town, both of whom play in the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League,.
AFC Blackpool manager Stuart Parker said: "Our club's been in the doldrums in recent years, but we are having a good season, and for us to still be in three cups right now is fantastic. We are all enjoying it, and we want to go as far as we can in each competition.
"I think it's as tough a tie as anyone could have. I thought AFC Liverpool got the breaks when they beat us in the league in September, but they are a good side. They have been a little bit inconsistent at times this season, but I expect them to be up there challenging for promotion at the end of the season.
"If we go out and play to our full capability, we've got the ability to beat them, but I feel there's not much between the sides. It could be down to one piece of magic on the day that makes the difference - Steve Jones did it for them when we played them in September, and this time it might be Niall Cummins or Ben Waddington that does it for us."
From the visitors' camp, AFC Liverpool Board Member Craig Howard said: "We always have the utmost respect for our opponents and there is no doubt that AFC Blackpool will form a stern test on the Fylde Coast this Saturday, and their manager will make sure he has his team well organised on the day.
"But with our manager Paul Moore at the helm, we believe we have the belief, desire and confidence required to get a result on Saturday. We have key players Karl Gornell and Steve Jones hitting form at the right time, River Humphries back from suspension plus the arrival of new signings David Mather and Sean Ferguson, so hopefully the Reds will come away with a victory".
Skybet odds: AFC Blackpool 11/10, AFC Liverpool 7/4, Draw 13/5
Norton & Stockton Ancients v Irlam
Irlam's excellent form in the Vase so far has seen them overcome Premier Division opponents in Winsford United and Colne to reach this stage of the competition for the first time, and they travel up to the North East to face a side that proved to be a nemesis for Vodkat League clubs last season.
Norton & Stockton Ancients from the Northern League overcame Padiham, Bootle and New Mills on a run that took them to the quarter finals last season. That run saw them exempt from the competition until now and they will no doubt be looking to make an impact again in the Vase this season. While they sit in eight spot in the First Division of the Northern League, a glance at their form shows their away record is better than their home record, with 4 wins, a draw and 3 defeats from their eight home league games so far.
Irlam Secretary Warren Dodd says everyone at Silver Street is looking forward to the trip.
"We have had a great season so far, and under the management of Ryan Gilligan the players have showed a real competitive edge, leading to Ryan justly deserving of the manager of the month award for October.
"Although we once again seem to have played more league fixtures than anyone else, we are well placed in the current table, and it's our cup form that has really impressed. The disappointment of exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Chadderton has been erased with strong showings in the Challenge Trophy and the FA Vase.
"We know a basic amount of information about Norton, and it helped us that FC United were up there a couple of weeks ago, and Ryan has been in touch with his contacts there to give us an idea on strengths and weaknesses.
"We also had a home game watched a couple of weeks ago and our representative was made very welcome by the Club. They currently sit in 8th spot in their league at present, narrowly defeating West Allotment Celtic 1-0 at home last weekend.
"I think that although they are from a higher league competition than us, we are comfortably punching above our weight at the moment and we are certainly not contemplating defeat at the weekend. We want our Vase run to continue!"
Skybet odds:Â Norton & Stockton Ancients 4/7, Irlam 4/1, Draw 5/2
New Mills v Ashington
The Millers were the longest standing Vodkat League representatives in last season's FA Vase before eventually going out at home in the 5th Round against Norton & Stockton Ancients and Ashington, another Northern League side, provide the opposition at Church Lane on Saturday.
The small North East town's most famous footballing link is that of being the birthplace of the Charlton brothers Bobby and Jack, and also Jackie Milburn, but the present day footballing representatives from the town come to the High Peak on the back of a five game unbeaten run, and having scored 13 goals in their three Vase games already this season. There's no lack of confidence in their ranks, and Ashington skipper Steve Shaw is talking up his side's chances in their local press.
Speaking to newspostleader.co.uk he said: "I've heard a lot about them (New Mills) doing really well and being at the top of their league, but if we play the way we can with the right workrate, commitment and attitude then at our level we have got no one to fear.
"Going into any Vase game, I think we can win. We'll show them the respect they deserve but no more. We have earned the right to play on Saturday and are more than capable of bringing the right result home."
Ashington chairman Ian Lavery said: "We're all very much looking forward to the cup tie at New Mills on Saturday afternoon.
"There should be a number of buses travelling full of enthusiastic and committed Ashington supporters who are looking forward to a victory and progression in the FA Carlsberg Vase and we'll keep our fingers crossed hoping that the journey back will be a happy one."
New Mills Secretary Duncan Hibbert says everyone at the club is aware of the threat posed by their opponents in the Millers first taste of Vase action this season.
"With Whitley Bay having great success in the competition over the last couple of years, there is no doubt that teams from The Northern League have a good pedigree and will be very competitive in the Vase again this season, so we're under no illusions about how difficult a tie we face against Ashington on Saturday.
"But saying that, we have home advantage and that can prove crucial in one off cup ties. After a bit of a dip in form about a month ago, we've won our last three games and the goals have started to flow again from different areas of the pitch, which has been encouraging.
"Everybody is eagerly anticipating the game as it kicks off a very important couple of weeks for the Club, as we have Premier Division games against Congleton and Ramsbottom to follow."
Skybet odds: New Mills 1/2, Ashington 9/2, Draw 11/4
Bootle v Shildon
Bootle have produced some eye catching performances in the Vase in recent years, running eventual winners Whitley Bay close in the Fourth Round two years ago, and they again reached the same stage of the competition last season when they fell at the hands of Norton & Stockton Ancients, who went on to eliminate New Mills in the next round.
This time around, the Bucks once again have been drawn against tough Northern League opposition in Shildon, who sit in third place in the Northern League Division One, just two points off the top. The visitors' away form has been impressive to say the least so far this season, with six wins and three draws in nine away league games.
What's more, Shildon's leading scorer is a man with a recent history of causing problems for Vodkat League clubs in the Vase - Sonny Andrews, whose hat trick against Padiham and two goals against New Mills last season ended both clubs' interest in the competition. He is no less potent this season, with 18 goals to his name so far.
None the less, Bootle manager Chris O'Brien is confident his side have enough in the tank to progress through to the next round.
"It's a massive game and a massive competition for all clubs at this level, and that includes ourselves and Shildon who we face on Saturday. The North-East club are in excellent form coming up to this one, scoring 25 goals in their last six games whilst only conceding three..
"But we are in pretty good form ourselves, winning three and drawing three, and after putting six past Runcorn Linnets in the League Challenge Cup last weekend, the lads' tails are up, and it's sure to be a cracking game."
Skybet odds: Bootle 7/4, Shildon 11/10, Draw 13/5
Eccleshill United v Runcorn Town
Runcorn Town's latest voyage of discovery in the Vase takes them to a venue about 11 miles south east of Silsden's Asda Foundation Stadium in the Wrose area of Bradford, to face fellow step 6 side Eccleshill United of the Northern Counties East League Division One.
The game marks Runcorn's third successive away game in the competition, and after two "giant killing" acts so far against Parkgate and Atherton LR, they will face off against a team at the same level as themselves.
Eccleshill occupy a mid table slot in their league, although their recent form has been good with nine goals in their past three league games. Hopes of a midweek spying mission for the Runcorn management team were dashed when United's home game against Bradford Park Avenue in the West Riding Cup was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch, but despite that, Runcorn Town Secretary Martin Fallon is upbeat about the team's prospects
"The start we have made since joining the Vodkat League in August has been fantastic, and one of the reasons that we wanted to achieve Vodkat League status is so that we could enter competitions such as the FA Vase. Although the Vodkat League is obviously our number one priority, the FA Vase represents a chance for us to showcase our name throughout the country, and the longer we stay in the competition, the more people will get to know Runcorn Town.
"So far in the competition, we have acquitted ourselves well and managed to overcome experienced teams at this level in Parkgate and Atherton LR. Eccleshill are up next, and like all teams we are facing this season, we do not know a lot about them other than what we can find out on websites and in their local press.
"One advantage we did have was that they drew in the previous round which meant that our manager (Simon Burton) and assistant (Danny Salt) could travelled over to Bradford to watch them and see how they play. Hopefully they have identified a few areas that we can capitalise on this Saturday!
"Eccleshill will start favourites as they have been playing in the Vase since 1988 and have reached the last 16 before know. They have also knocked out two sides so far from higher leagues and results over the last few weeks have shown that they are clicking into gear with two big wins, including a 5-1 win over the league leaders Staveley MW.
"Having said that, we are not doing too bad ourselves with James McShane leading the goalscoring charts in Division One with 15 goals and Marvin Molyneux being rewarded for his form with Vodkat Player of the Month for September.
"With both sides playing well, Saturday promises to be a great game. Hopefully if we can play as we have been doing, we will be able to take our place in the hat on Monday and continue on with our first ever FA Vase campaign."
Skybet odds: Eccleshill United Evens, Runcorn Town 2/1, Draw 5/2
Winterton Rangers v St Helens Town
St Helens Town are, of course, the only former winners of the Vase who are flying the Vodkat League flag in this season's competition, and they will be hoping to maintain their good form against teams from the Northern Counties East League when they make the trip across to Scunthorpe to face Winterton Rangers.
A decade has passed since the two teams' only previous meeting, and Town will be hoping to emulate their 2-3 extra time victory at West Street back in October 2000 which earned them a place in the 2nd Round of the FA Vase. That season saw Town record one of its best runs since their Wembley victory in 1987, going on to reach Round 5 before bowing out 3-1 at eventual finalists Berkhamsted Town.
With club sponsors Johnson Toyota Liverpool offering to cover the costs of any fan travelling on the official team coach, the hope is that Saints will backed by a decent sized support. The welcome for the travelling support may be warm off the pitch, but on the field Saints will face formidable opponents in a Winterton side that has won five of their seven home league games this season and warmed up for Saturday's encounter by winning 5-0 at Hallam last weekend.
Town Chairman John McKiernan said: "It's been some time since we've had a decent FA Vase run, having lost out in our first game in the competition in each of the past five seasons."
"This is our first away trip in this season's competition, with our previous three victories over Brodsworth Welfare (8-1), Worsbrough Bridge Athletic (4-0) and Oldham Boro (2-1) all on 'home' soil despite the first two taking place at Atherton Collieries and the latter at Ashton Town!!"
"We've no doubts that Winterton will provide tough opposition on Saturday and their record this season shows they don't concede too many goals, especially at home. On the plus side we have a great scoring record this campaign and Liam Pearson is in fine form with 9 goals in nine games during October."
Skybet odds: Winterton Rangers Evens, St Helens Town 2/1, Draw 5/2
Good luck to all our sides at the weekend!
