Pendle Launch Double Vase Assault
TOMORROW sees Pendle launch a double assault on the FA Carlsberg Vase. Both Colne and Nelson head into the competition with home draws, and both look firm favourites to progress.
And should the weather hold, both could find themselves in Monday's third round draw.
Graham Howarth's Blues have already come through two previous rounds, earning them a home tie with Carlsberg West Cheshire League First Division minnows Ashville.
However, the Merseysiders should not be taken for granted, after a 3-1 away win at Silsden in the first qualifying round.
But Howarth was pleased with the draw: "It couldn't have been much better for us.
"It's a home draw, which is what you always look for straightaway, and it is against a side at a similar level to ourselves.
"They can't be a bad side because they beat Penrith in the last round, and beat Silsden in the round before.
"We don't know a lot about them, but we will give them all the respect we can.
""It's nice to still be in the competition, especially after the way we got through in the last round, but I don't know a lot about Ashville.
"We'll find out what we can and see what happens on the day."
Near neighbours Colne were exempt from the early rounds due to their record in recent seasons.
But they go into tomorrow's clash full of confidence, after their remarkable success over FC United on Sunday.
The Reds welcome Arngrove Northern League outfit Norton and Stockton Ancients to Holt House.
And manager Nigel Coates admitted he is "desperate" to embark on another run in the competition.
He said: "It's a big game for us, we're playing a team who have had a bit of form recently so it won't be easy.
"They've not all been in the league, but they've won seven of their last nine games, including beating Consett who only lost 1-0 to Cammell Laird in the last round.
"But the only aim for us is to get through and hopefully get another home draw.
"I don't know much about them, I was hoping to go and see them but haven't been able to.
"But there is no doubting that it is a huge game for us, because the further we go in the competition the more interests it generates.
"And the more interest it generates the more revenue we receive as well as it being good for the profile of the club.
"It's a game we're desperate to win, but they've already had three games in the Vase so they are on a role already.
"This is our first game in the competition this season, so we need to hit the ground running.
The Vase is a big competition at our level and everyone wants to do well in it, which we intend to do.
"The core of the side who reached the semi-finals is still here, but there are a few new lads experiencing this for the first time.
"I hope the occasion will rub off on them, and I'm sure it will, but if my team talk doesn't, I'm sure the atmosphere will."
Both games kick-off at 3 p.m., with the draw for the third round taking place at 11 a.m. on Monday.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Pendle
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
