Match Preview

Heys turn their attentions to the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday when they make the trip to Cumbria to face Northern Premier League Premier Division, Workington in the First Qualifying Round (3pm).

After victories over Northern Premier League Division One side Bootle and North East Counties Premier Division Penistone Church this will be the toughest test yet for Lee O’Brien and James Hampson’s side, with the home side playing two levels above Heys.

They will go into action looking to bounce back from Tuesday night’s 2-0 League defeat at AFC Liverpool which ended a run of three successive wins. Whilst League form has so far been patchy this season, Heys best performances have come in the knockout competitions, and they will be hoping to continue that pattern and pull off what would be a famous victory.

They will be under no under illusions about the challenge they face. As a step 3 side, Workington have only entered the competition at this stage. Following their promotion from Division One last season they have started their season with two wins and four defeats in their six games played. A 5-0 opening day win at home to Ashton United has been followed by 3-0 and 6-1 losses at Morpeth Town and Ilkeston Town respectively. They then lost 4-1 at home to Radcliffe before bouncing back to win 2-1 at home to Stafford Rangers. However, they were defeated 3-0 at Bamber Bridge on Monday. All their opponents so far are in the top half of the division, so it has been a tough baptism at the higher level for them.

The magic of FA Cup though rests in its unpredictability and Heys will be hoping to bridge the two-division gap and spring a shock of their own.

The match winners will receive £2,250 and the losers £750. If the match ends in a draw at 90 minutes, there is no extra time or penalties, with the tie going to a replay at Adie Moran Park, next Tuesday 5th September (7.45pm)

Workington play at Workington AFC, Borough Park, Workington, Cumbria. CA14 2DT

Directions: M6 to junction 40 then take slip road left towards Keswick/Workington/Penrith for 0.3 miles. At roundabout take 1st exit onto A66 for 0.9 miles.

Admission is Adults £13, Concessions £8, 12-18 years £4, Children £1