Andrew’s Match Preview
Colne v Consett AFC
FA Trophy
Holt House
Saturday 24th September - 15:00
90 minutes only, penalties if level at full-time.
Colne welcome County Durham club Consett AFC to Holt House, for the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Trophy. The Trophy is currently held by Bromley who overcame Wrexham 1-0 at Wembley in May.
Consett AFC compete in the NPL East division at step 4, the same level as Colne. Nicknamed the Steelmen, Consett play at the Belle View Stadium and are managed by Andy Coyles. Runners up in the Northern league division 1 last term, earned them a play off against Histon, whom they beat 2-1 to win promotion. This season Consett have had a great start in the league, winning four times, drawing twice and losing twice. Zac Atkinson scored from the spot in an opening day defeat 1-2 at Cleethorpe Town, followed by a goalless draw at home to North Shields. A 2-1 home win over Tadcaster Albion thanks to goals from Kieren Aplin and Jake Orrell, a 1-1 draw away at Pontefract Collieries with another goal from Orrell, and a 5-0 thrashing at home of Carlton Town saw the Steelmen begin to climb the table. The goals in the latter game were notched by Aplin, Atkinson and Declan Bisset, and a brace from Lewis Green. A second loss away at Dunston 2-4, despite further goals from Atkinson and Orrell, were superseded by two away victories at Shildon 3-1, goals from Darren Holden and two from Daniel Capewell, and a 1–0 win at Lincoln United with Orrell claiming the only goal. Those wins pushed the Steelmen into 3rd place in the league, with 14 points from 8 games.
Consett went out of the FA Cup at the 1st hurdle losing 4-1 at Goole AFC in the extra preliminary round, with Aplin getting their only goal. In the earlier round of the FA Trophy, a 2-1 away win at Shildon was gained through goals from Jake Orrell and Colin Larkin. Colne beat another NPL East side Bridlington Town 2-1 away in the last round of this trophy, with strikes from Owen Watkinson and Super Sub Jack Doherty.
Consett AFC players to watch -
Manager’s player of the season last term Jake Orrell, came through Sunderland’s academy, before gaining EFL experience with Chesterfield. He’s already scored 5 times this season in 8 appearances. Fan’s favourite and midfield general Matty Slocombe, is in his 12th season at the club and he currently captains the side. 6 foot 5 left back Darren Holden was a former pro with Hartlepool and he has plenty of experience at National league level. Calvin Smith makes Consett tick in the middle of the park, he’s made well over 400 appearances for the club and new pacy striker Zac Atkinson has made the step up from Whickham and has contributed 3 goals so far this season.
Last time out for the Reds - After a great 3 points gained last Saturday in a hard fought 1-0 victory over unbeaten 1874 Northwich, the Reds didn’t turn up at AFC Blackpool on Tuesday evening in the 1st round of the Lancashire Trophy. Despite the home side being two divisions below Colne, they certainly wanted it more, and two goals from former Red Jacob Gregory, sent the Mechs through to the 2nd round. Looking at the positives from the game, it was good to see Aaron Turner return to the side; hopefully he’ll feature more now. Matty Kardacz played a full 90 at centre half and Charlie Russell finally made a return from injury, and got 60 valuable minutes in the middle of the park. Young goalkeeper Oliver Lombard, who was released from Preston in the summer played in goal. He featured in our pre-season friendly at Barnoldswick in July whilst looking for a new club. Up front, former triallist “Danny” Kyobk played the 2nd half; he previously scored for the club in a friendly at Steeton. It remains to be seen if either of them will be added to the squad. Owen Watkinson, Bradley Knox and Glenn Steel were rested for the game.
Who’s on Ashh’s couch? - Goalkeeper Hakan Burton is still a couple of months off, and Harry Winstanley is still unfit, but he is finally off crutches. Ellis Wallbank however, was on crutches on Tuesday night as a precaution, due to his knee injury picked up last Saturday - he’ll miss out again.
Team news - Morecambe loanee Andre Felipe da Silva Mendes will hopefully be back to deputise in goal, after missing out on Tuesday, before his loan spell finishes. Steel, Knox and Watkinson should return. Matty Kardacz and Aaron Turner are pushing the first eleven and Charlie Russell will be hoping for more game time probably from the bench.
Prior to Tuesday’s blip in the Lancashire Trophy, the Reds had begun to show improvement in their league campaign with two good hard fought victories here at Holt House. In between those two wins, a great result on the road at Bridlington, in the last round of this competition, has helped boost the confidence of Phil Brown’s young side. Consett are a very hard working side, who have taken promotion to this level in their stride, as their league position suggests. The “Conny Army” are apparently travelling in numbers and Nick Peacock’s “Red Army” will need to be in fine voice to win vocal supremacy. Expect another tough encounter up the slope, with the Reds favoured to make home advantage count and progress to the next round.
Admission Prices are:
Adults - £9
Concessions - £6
Under 16’s - £1
Under 12’s - Free
Upcoming games
Sat 1st October - Runcorn Linnets v Colne - 15:00 NPL West
Sat 8th October - Witton Albion v Colne - 15:00 NPL West *
*(FA Trophy 3rd qualifying round takes precedence if Colne progress)
Sat 15th October - Colne v Prescot Cables - 15:00 NPL West
Sat 22nd October - Colne v Skelmersdale United - 15:00 NPL West
Today’s other games involving NPL West sides - 15:00
FA Trophy
Bootle v Dunston
Coleshill Town v Leek Town
Macclesfield v Widnes
North Shields v Runcorn Linnets
Prescot Cables v Worksop Town
Ramsbottom v Clitheroe
NPL West league
Hanley Town v City of Liverpool
Workington v Skelmersdale United
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