CONTRASTING styles and levels of experience will come into sharp focus tomorrow (Saturday) when ASHTON UNITED travel to Haig Avenue in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The Robins are led by Jody Banim, an up-and-coming young coach committed to stylish football and keen to add further success to a brief managerial career that already includes a promotion.
Southport boss Liam Watson, who takes a more pragmatic approach, has been there, done that, and is no stranger to the first round proper.
With both clubs in the bottom six in National League North it’s anybody’s game, as the managers are willing to admit.
Banim believes his team are good enough to win, providing they eliminate the mistakes that have led to defeat too often this season.
“If we can cut out the errors tomorrow, I think we’ve got the tools to hurt Southport and win the match. But if we play like we did at Spennymoor, and make mistakes, it’ll be a long afternoon,” said the Ashton boss.
“It’ll be tough at Haig Avenue because they’ve got a big budget, experienced players, a manager who’s been there and done it, and they’ll have a big crowd behind them while, at the end of the day, we’re just Ashton United.
“People will fancy Southport, but if we go there and play to our potential we can win. It’s a game both teams can win and that’s what you want. It’s not like we’re going to Salford.
“We know what Southport are about. They’re a big strong team who play for set-pieces and long throws, and are dangerous out wide. We’ll need to keep Dion Charles quiet.”
Banim declined to divulge any team news although it’s known right-back Harrison Holgate is cup-tied. However, Southport manager Liam Watson was happy to say he’ll be fielding the same side that won at Curzon Ashton in the previous round.
He commented: “This is a road I’ve been down a lot and fourth qualifying round ties are always tight.
“Ashton have some experience in there and it’ll be a tough match. The first goal will be really important, and especially so against them because if they get in front they’ll be happy to sit in and try to hit us on the counter. If we score they’ll have to come out a bit.
“I know there’s a lot of anticipation among the fans but it’ll count for nothing if we don’t turn up and do the business.”
The last time Ashton reached the first round of the FA Cup was in 1955 when they played Southport at Haig Avenue. Banim will be fervently hoping for a better result than on that November afternoon 63 years ago — a 6-1 defeat.
A cheque for £25,000 awaits the winners of tomorrow’s encounter.
Defender Mo Ali continues to suffer with an ankle knock and could miss CURZON ASHTON’s home encounter with Telford United in National League North.
Midfielder Paul Marshall is ruled out by an ongoing foot problem. Danny Morton’s hamstring problem is progressing and he has resumed light training.
Manager John Flanagan will be hoping last week’s victory at Leamington has provided his squad with the impetus to beat a Telford side lying fifth in the table.
In the Evo-stik NPL premier division, Luke Porritt is a doubt for HYDE UNITED who are away to Stafford Rangers. The wide man, who takes more than his fair share of heavy tackles, had to be substituted in midweek.
Midfielder Gavin Rothery has been placed on the transfer list.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC will have a new goalkeeper when they take on Farsley Celtic at Bower Fold.
James Aspinall has been recalled by his parent club, Bolton Wanderers, and manager Simon Haworth has signed 18-year-old Paddy Wharton from Tranmere Rovers, initially on a month’s loan.
Otherwise Haworth has a full-strength squad to choose from as his team look to bounce back from two consecutive defeats.
In the first division west, GLOSSOP NORTH END’s new managerial pairing, Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison, have made a raft of signings ahead of their game at Ramsbottom United.
The list is striker Mitchell Bryant (Runcorn Linnets), midfielder Sam Howell (Colne), defender Darren Thornton (Ashton United), defender Curtis Jones (Ashton United), defender Josh Stachini (Ashton United) and goalkeeper Tom Scott (Kendal).
Band said: “Since we got the job last Sunday it’s been like having phones stapled to my head but I’d be lying if I said I haven’t missed it. It’s good to be back. Lloyd and me are recharged and ready to go.
“We had more than 20 at training on Tuesday and Thursday and the attitude of the lads was brilliant. Afterwards they were all chatting and smiling.
“At Ramsbottom we’ll come up against an old Glossop boss, Chris Willcock, but that means nothing. Tomorrow’s game is about Glossop and Ramsbottom playing, not personalities. We’ll be doing our best to win.”
MOSSLEY will be at virtually full strength when Radcliffe visit Seel Park. Mason Duffy (hamstring) is the only absentee. It’s a similar story for DROYLSDEN, who are home to Widnes. At the time of writing the Bloods were trying to confirm if Dylan Smith would be suspended.