Road to Wembley begins
The attraction of a potential visit to Wembley next May is the incentive for clubs when they set out on the FA Carlsberg Vase trail tomorrow.
Whitley Bay have proved in the last two seasons that the dream can become a reality, but whether Ian Chandler's men can lift the trophy for a third successive season, or another Northern League side can take their place, is pure conjecture at this stage.
Tomorrow, teams will simply be hoping to progress to the next qualifying stage, with Sunderland RCA attempting to kick-start a disappointing start to the season when they visit Selby.
Manager Neil Hixon made a number of close-season signings to prepare the Wearsiders for the First Division, but this week he moved to revamp the squad.
Richard Hodgson, who turned a few eyes when he crossed the river to join RCA from Whitley Bay in the summer, and former Horden CW player Stuart Brightwell have both been made available for transfer.
The pair have been replaced by a trio of newcomers. Craig Tate has been signed from Chester-le-Street, Kraig Wilkinson has moved in from Tow Law while promising winger Joe Walton has made the switch from Ryhope CW.
"I need more fire-power up front. I feel that in almost every game we deserved something, but the stark reality is that we've only taken one point from six games and scored just three goals," observed Hixon.
RCA's only selection doubt at Selby surrounds Scott Richards, who will undergo a late check on his fitness.
Seaham Red Star, who host Scarborough Athletic and are sure to have a healthy travelling support to boost coffers, have also made a poor start and manager Kevin Turns reckons that a lack of experience has been a big factor.
He said: "We've got to try and get one of two older heads in the team, but finding them is not easy.
"I've scoured the Wearside and Northern Alliance Leagues looking for little gems, so far without success, but I'm still trying and something could happen before tomorrow."
Kenny Ball, John Dobinson and Michael Turnbull return for Star, but Lewis Turnbull is out.
South Shields boss Gary Steadman welcomes back Mark Gaffney at home to North Shields.
The Robins expect to include last season's leading scorer, Andy Hay, but Stephen Robinson and Michael Steinmetz are definite non-starters.
Newcastle Benfield, unbeaten in eight games and the only side in the entire SNL with a 100 per cent record, go to Thornaby minus wingers Adam Scope and Chris Feasey, but Kevin Leighton is named.
Elsewhere, Bishop Auckland visit rejuvenated Wearside League side Willington, Tow Law go to West Yorkshire outfit Silsden's Keighley home and Second Division Crook Town entertain Team Northumbria.
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Weather for Sunderland
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
