Emley AFC boss Richard Tracey is looking forward to taking his side deeper into the unknown in the FA Vase.
The Pewits host Charnock Richard in the fourth round at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Saturday (January 13). Lancashire-based Charnock play in the NWCFL Premier Division, the same level as Emley.
If Emley make it through to the next round it gets serious. Regionalisation of the competition ends which could mean long distance away trips on the road to Wembley.
Speaking to the Emley AFC official website, Tracey said: “At the level we’re playing at this is the FA Cup for us so, in reality, we want to be in a position where we can try and progress into the next round.
“I think the next round stops being regionalised so you could be anywhere. We could be in Jersey, we could be down south, depending on results. However, we have to beat Charnock first.”
The Pewits will come up against at least one familiar face from the Chorley-based club, Marcus Haydock.
“Marcus used to travel from the Lancashire area to play for us,” said Tracey. “He’s a fantastic young man and a fantastic footballer. His brother (Lewis) is captain for them and he’s a very good midfielder as well.
“They’ve got a presence up front with a big No9, they’ve got a very clever No10 too and all round they’re a good side.
“Carlisle City have been kind enough to share their view with us and Charnock post quite extensive highlights of their games as well so we’ve got a bit of information on them.
“We know they like to play football and they want to get it down and play. They attack fantastically well and so it’s going to be a tough game.”
Emley’s 19-match unbeaten run ended in December and in midweek Charnock Richard lost their own 18-match unbeaten run when they went down 3-2 at home to Burscough.
Charnock will be keen to bounce back after “one of those days” and skipper Lewis Haydock said: “We can’t let a poor 40 minutes ruin our season. We dust ourselves down and be ready to move on to Emley.”
The winners of the tie receive £1,875 in prizemoney and if Emley go through it will be the first time they’ve reached the fifth round since 1990.
Images by: MARK PARSONS