The Promised Land Awaits: Sides Look To Book Place In FA Cup First Round Proper

The FA Cup returns this weekend - and two of our local sides are potentially 90 minutes away from booking their place in the first round proper.

Tameside’s only representatives left in the competition are Curzon Ashton and Hyde United. The former, who compete in the National League North, face a tough trip to recently promoted Peterborough Sports, whilst the latter, members of the NPL Premier Division, make the trip to Buxton.

Both sides have enjoyed success in the competition in recent times, with Hyde making the first round proper in 2017 against MK Dons - a game that was broadcast live on the BBC - whilst Curzon were on the wrong end of a 4-3 thriller against AFC Wimbledon in the second round proper a year earlier.

As well as the memories created and the national exposure the ties generated, both clubs also enjoyed a major  cash windfall, with TV broadcasting rights and winning prize funds boosting the clubs’ coffers in the process.

For Curzon chairman Wayne Salkeld, the FA Cup is a key date on the club’s calendar and a competition he believes can foster a wave of excitement on the terraces. He told Reporter Sport: “The FA Cup is important to clubs like Curzon, especially if you progress each round, so being one game away from the first round proper gets everyone excited - especially with where it may lead to.

“The important part is how much money it brings to a club like Curzon, so we will travel to Peterborough with confidence and see how it pans out.”

As a token of goodwill and to say a big thanks to the Curzon fans, manager Adam Lakeland and the club directors have subsidised the travel cost for fans travelling to Peterborough via the official coach.

The Nash supporters will no doubt be in fine voice during the trip, which takes just under three hours, and will be hoping that, come 5pm on Saturday, Curzon’s name will be in the hat for the first round proper for the first time since 2016.

In a bid to fully prepare for the tie, Curzon fielded a weakened side in the Manchester Premier Cup first round defeat at Ashton United on Tuesday night.

Whilst resting key players was the main priority, the tie also gave the club’s youth team players and junior players an opportunity to experience some senior football in a competitive environment.

Peterborough, who were promoted to the National League North last season, are currently two points above the Nash in ninth spot.

Hyde will also be heading into Saturday’s tie at Buxton with fresh legs, having had their scheduled league fixture against Whitby Town on Tuesday night postponed.

The Tigers look a rejuvenated side under manager Nick Spooner, who took over in February and guided the club away from the relegation zone.

The former Bolton Wanderers man has since hit the ground running following a summer of recruitment and has so far delivered great results on the pitch in league competition.

Spooner’s side are currently sixth in the table, although they have a fair few games in hand on some of the clubs immediately above them.

Spooner will be hoping to emulate what Darren Kelly achieved during his time in charge of the club, as the former Hyde boss  - who is set to take charge of League Two Newport County this weekend - guided his squad to the first round proper and also delivered promotion to the NPL Premier Division.

A key man for the Robins this weekend, if fit and available for selection, will be forward Jack Redshaw.

After making the switch from Ashton United over summer, Redshaw has become a fans’ favourite at Ewen Fields with his attacking prowess and eye for goal.

Brad Roscoe has taken the captain’s armband this season and will be looking to give the Tigers’ faithful something to roar about at the Silverlands Stadium on Saturday.