Having equalled their best run in the FA Cup, West Allotment Celtic now face a tricky test against Bamber Bridge in the First Round Qualifying. A team who play two divisions higher in the Northern Premier League.
Despite the gulf between the two sides in terms of league status, West Allotment Celtic will be heading into this game off the back of two very impressive wins already in the FA Cup including the most recent 4-2 win against Whitley Bay.
Although Allotment are still yet to find a win in the league this season, there has been some encouragement in recent games. We were denied all three points in the 96th minute against Ashington last Saturday in a 3-3 draw and the lads were able to fight to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening against Whitley Bay despite playing 25 minutes with 10 men.
Our Opponents
Bamber Bridge, also known as 'The Brig', currently sit in fourth position in the Pitching In Northern Premier League having won 4 of their opening 6 league games. Their most recent game resulted in a 2-2 draw at home to Warrington Town where The Brig surrendered a 2-goal lead and ultimately only came away with a point.
Their best run in the FA Cup came in the 1999/00 season where they made it to the Second Round. In their First Round game, they defeated St Albans City 0-2 away from home in a game that featured three red cards. Bamber Bridge's FA Cup run came to an end in their next game in the Second Round where they were defeated 1-0 by Cambridge United courtesy of a Martin Butler penalty.
Bamber Bridge will certainly have a lot of dangerous threats all over the pitch but, perhaps the biggest threat will come in the shape of striker Ewan Bange. Bange has netted five times already this season in their opening six games and currently sits in 3rd in the goal scorers chart in the Northern Premier League.
Team News
West Allotment will be without some key players for this cup tie. Gilberto Chapim begins his suspension after being dismissed against Ashington. We will also be without another central midfielder as Jake Forster is unavailable as well.
What we're saying
Manager Jay Bates has spoke before the match and wants his team to focus on work-rate and enjoying the occasion more than anything else.
"The lads have nothing to lose against what is a very good Bamber Bridge side. One thing I will be asking of them is that they just work hard for one another and enjoy the occasion," Bates said.
Matchday Information
The game will take place on Saturday September 4th at East Palmersville Sports Pavilion which is located at Palm Court, Palmersville, Newcastle upon Tyne - NE12 9HW.
Kick off is at 3:00pm.
Tickets are priced as follows:
Adults - £7
Concessions - £5
Children accompanied by an adult - FREE
Programmes - £1
We would also like to say a huge thank you to The Chocolate Smiths for sponsoring the game! Their webiste can be found below...
