Macclesfield have also played a huge six games more than Russ Wilcox’s men, a possible indication to the uneven make-up of the league table currently. Can the Holy Blues join the likes of Ashton United, Leek Town and Mickleover in securing all three points? With this fixture set to be segregated, and away fans only having a cash option on the away turnstiles, the opportunity to buy tickets ahead of the game is available to both home and away supporters, to beat the queues at the turnstiles. Buy your tickets online, up until midday on the day of the game.
Programme
Inside the matchday programme, Jamie Johnson takes a look at the topical issue of banning FA Cup replays, after the heroics of some lower ranked sides, in the week’ just gone, FA Cup Third Round. Phil Anderson and Steve Andrews look back in time, Pip exploring some of the links between Macc and the Holy Blues, while Steve’s In the Programmes, features a look at fixtures on this day (or thereabouts) and how the Blues were faring at the time.
Dale sits on the fence regarding the abolishment of replays - and he makes a good case in point, when he looks back at the Holy Blues cup exploits this season. T
he replay against Boston, or the Extra Time/ Penalty Shootout drama against Hednesford. If you had to pick one of those games, which one are you choosing? Pick up a copy of the programme, there is certainly plenty to get your teeth into. And if it makes you reconsider one or two of your personal beliefs, it’s probably done its job.
And just to finish off, the programme has been garnished with Lewis McKenna’s Photography. From taking pictures for FC United away at Macclesfield last Saturday, to having peer through the fog, mist and gloom on Tuesday night, the talented Lewis came up with the goods in Manchester!
Sponsors
We extend a warm welcome to our Match Sponsors for our game against Macclesfield FC. Our Gold Match Sponsors, Grimsby Fish Market join us once again for a game, and perhaps they will be hopeful of a new recruit ‘netting’ on his debut? Booth Construction Ltd have the Bronze Match Sponsor, continuing their commitment to the cause. Their names on the back of the home shirts, and their continued presence in the Boardroom, and support in bringing Trenton the Dolphin to the Football Club, we thank Claire and Phil for their backing. And lastly, we thank the Ollerton family for their support. As Match Ball Sponsors, we hope they, like all of our other sponsors, have a wonderful afternoon, filled with good food, great company, and the chance of three points, come 5pm!
Elsewhere
The milder weather should hopefully see a full schedule of games in the Pitching In Northern Premier League this weekend. With the plummeting temperatures last weekend only seeing two games go ahead, there will be a lot of sides hoping to get their home games on, and not lose games to those midweek evenings in late February and early March.
Hebburn and Hyde appear to be one of the standout fixtures of the day, with both teams just outside the play-off places, Hebburn with a game in hand on fourth placed Ilkeston, who host Morpeth. The Highwaymen having picked up six points from their last six games; another close game could be Workington at home to Matlock. The Gladiators have a point advantage, and games in hand. Mark Fell’s men will be hoping to keep Ryan Cresswell’s side from opening up an advantage, but all in all, the fixture list in full, can be found below.
Ashton United vs Whitby Town
FC United of Manchester vs Blyth Spartans
Guiseley vs Basford United
Hebburn Town vs Hyde United
Ilkeston Town vs Morpeth Town
Leek Town vs Lancaster City
Mickleover vs Warrington Rylands
Prescot Cables vs Worksop Town
Stockton Town vs Bamber Bridge
Workington vs Matlock Town
Match report by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Photos by Ross Nicholls