By Andrew McDonnell (@AndrewSJourno)
Emirates FA Cup – Extra Preliminary Round
Venue: Dean Street, Shildon, Co. Durham, DL4 1EZ
Date: Saturday, August 5, 2017
Kick-Off: 3:00pm
Updates: @MorpethTownAFC
The new season is finally here, pre-season is out the way, and Morpeth Town kick-off their campaign against Shildon in the Emirates FA Cup.
The Extra Preliminary Round tie will take place at Dean Street and the Highwaymen will be looking to get off to a winning start – as they did in the same competition last season.
Nick Gray and Dave Malone’s side won five of their seven pre-season games – against strong opposition – and they come into the game having won the JR Cleator Cup for the first time in their history.
Morpeth managed to pick up four points against Shildon in the league last season, and with the new signings all settled in, the Highwaymen will be full of confidence going into the game.
Team News
Forward Liam Henderson is a doubt for the season opener after picking up an injury in the pre-season friendly against Blyth Spartans.
Captain Keith Graydon is suspended for the game at Dean Street, while Luke Carr’s international clearance has come through – clearing him to play.
There’s also a high possibility that there’ll be some players making their competitive debuts for Morpeth.
The Manager’s Views
Co-Manager Nick Gray is keen on getting off to a good start and said: “We’re looking forward to the start of the season. It’s a tough game but we will have a idea after it to see if Pre season has been a success.
“Every team wants a good start and we’re no different, but in reality we won’t play to our best till October due to holidays,suspensions,fitness and new players settling in.
“It’s important, in the early days, sometimes to grind out results and we’ve talked a lot about that as a group, and we’re up for the challenge.”
The Opposition
Shildon finished fourth in Division One last season, and manager Daniel Moore has had a busy summer.
Highly-rated youngster Lewis Wing departed for Championship side Middlesbrough, but Moore has brought in a few players.
Former Middlesbrough academy player Anthony Peacock was the first singing of the summer, while ex-Workington defender Kyle May and former Gateshead forward Cameron Fenton have also signed for Shildon.
The Railwaymen were last in action on Monday night, where they edged out Division two side Willington 2-1 – Micky Rae getting both goals.
Admission Charges
Admission for the Emirates FA Cup game with Shildon is as follows; Adults £7, Concessions £5 and Under-12s are free with a paying adult.
Last Meeting
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 – Shildon 2-2 Morpeth Town
Overall Record
Since 1996, the two sides have played each other 30 times, and the overall record couldn’t be any closer.
Morpeth: 10
Draws: 10
Shildon: 10
