FA Carlsberg Trophy
Third Round Qualifying
Saturday 24 November 2007
Winning clubs receive £3000
Click here for weekend fixtures
The FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying ties feature some fascinating fixtures this weekend including Blyth Spartans against Gainsborough Trinity and Kettering Town’s trip to Harrogate Town.
With Harrogate and Kettering top and third of the Conference North respectively, it promises to be a closely fought contest.
Harrogate Club Secretary Alan Williams said: “Although we’re out of The FA Cup, The Trophy is a prestigious competition and we’re looking forward to meeting Kettering for the first time this year.
“At this level, no match is a distraction from the league games and we want to win all our games regardless of the opposition.”
Despite home advantage, Williams believes it will count for little. “I think that’s the magic of the cup – it is down to which side plays best on the day.”
When Blyth Spartans face Gainsborough the feeling in the squad is of one of payback time, Gainsborough having beaten the hosts 1-0 in The FA Cup last month.
General Manager Ian Evans said: “I think the feeling is one of revenge, in the nicest possible sense, and we’re looking forward to the game.”
With both sides struggling for form in the league, a cup run could be an ideal confidence booster. Injuries to key players are receding for Blyth just at the right time. The continued good form of former New Zealand international midfielder Adrian Webster could prove decisive.
Having beaten Matlock Town in the last round, Gateshead’s reward is a home match with Boston United.
The Unibond Premier side are third in the table as they welcome the Conference North visitors and are expecting a tough game.
Manager Ian Bogie said: “It will be a tough game but we’re looking forward to it. We believe we can win but the players know the right work ethic will be needed on the day. Boston have experience of playing at grounds like ours so I am not sure how much we will benefit from being at home.”
Strikers Graeme Armstrong and David Southern are both playing well could cause problems for the Boston defence.
Source: Trophy hunters
