Guardian Sport

Winsford United manager Chris Willcock confident ahead of FA Cup test

By Andrew Simpson

12:00pm Friday 13th August 2010

CHRIS Willcock hopes his luck in the FA Cup will rub off on Winsford United when they make their bow in this year’s competition on Saturday.

The Blues’ boss told the Guardian he is under no illusion how important a cup run is to the Barton Stadium club ahead of their weekend trip to league rivals Ramsbottom United.

“The players want the glory and the chairman the prize money,” he quipped this week.

“I’ve enjoyed pretty good fortune in the FA Cup over the past two or three seasons and I’ve no intention of that ending now.

“I believe we can go two or three rounds, hopefully landing a plum tie along the way.”

Saturday’s test is a tricky one though.

Ramsbottom have won each of their two league encounters in the first week – against Flixton and North West Counties League Premier Division newcomers Barnoldswick town – without conceding a goal.

They beat Blues at the Riverside in the league last term too.

Willcock said: “We’re looking to go there and progress to the next round.

“A good cup run always helps the players’ confidence and at this early stage of the season it would be nice to start making winning a habit.”

He will be without stopper Steve Jardine (injured) and goalkeeper Richie Mottram (suspended) but otherwise has a full squad to pick from.

Front man Stuart Wellstead has scored in each of Blues’ matches this week – a 2-1 win at Formby followed by Tuesday’s home reverse against St Helens – so will hope to continue his scoring streak.

Kick off at the Riverside is 3pm.

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