Sunderland RCA well prepared for tough FA Cup clash at Scarborough Athletic

RCA find themselves in the second qualifying round after beating Liversedge, Ashington and Garforth Town in the previous rounds of the competition to set up a juicy away tie with Steve Kittrick’s Seadogs.

This is the furthest RCA have got in the prestigious competition in 13 years and everyone at at the club will not want the journey to end.

Swales was in the stand at Scarborough’s 5-2 Evo-Stik North win over West Yorkshire side Ossett Albion on Tuesday night.

He said: “I’ve got a good idea at how they set up and play and have also had some insights from people at South Shields and Marske, who they have already played.

“They’re expected win but I’m fairly confident that we can go down and give it a good shot.”

Scarborough recently moved to their new home ‘The Flamingo Land Stadium’ at the start of this season and play on a 4G turfed pitch.

“The astro-turf will probably benefit them and they’ll be a big crowd, but we’ve got to go down and give it a shot,” said Swales.

“Win lose or draw, we’ve done very well to make it to this stage.”

Seven key first-team players were rested in RCA’s 4-1 midweek defeat to Stockton Town in the Northern League, but Swales explained that that was to save them for tomorrow.

RCA are without versatile player James Armstrong for the trip to Yorkshire, while captain Greg Swansbury and Craig Hodgson face late fitness tests.

Swales also passed on his appreciation to all RCA fans set to make the trip south.

Shildon face an injury crisis ahead of their tough FA Cup match at home to Altrincham, who are 12th in the Evo-Stik Premier Division table.

Official John Atkinson said: “Last week, we saw an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Nicholas Liversedge and two penalties from Matty Robson, enabled us to retain this season’s unbeaten record at Stockton Town.

“However, the victory was dampened by further injuries to Daniel Moore, David Reynard and Lewis Dodds, to add to the existing list of Michael Rae, Adam Burnicle and Kyle May.

“Several youngsters have been drafted in from the development centre and may face an interesting debut against Altrincham.”

In the Ebac Northern League’s First Division, Seaham Red Star co-manager Chris McCabe is delighted with his squad as they head into the derby at Ryhope CW.

McCabe said: “I am particularly pleased with the defence in recent games. Goalkeeper Jordan Harkess has had some outstanding games, while full-backs Callum Munro and Tommy Price have been very good, both in defensive and attacking roles.

“Centre backs David Scorer and Bradley Staunch have gelled well and new signing Thomas Bramley hasn’t had a chance to get in, because of the way those two have played.”

He added: “Talisman Craig Lynch looks likely to miss the game through an ankle injury. Andrew Brown could be back in contention though, following a head injury. Otherwise we have a full squad to choose from.”

Co-manager Paul Johnson added: “This will be another tough game. Ryhope have had a great start to the season and have been on fire up front, scoring seven against Guisborough Town last weekend, but our confidence is also high and we are looking forward to the game.”

Ryhope CW assistant manager Stuart Gooden is relishing the home clash.

“After a tremendous 7-1 win in the Vase against Guisborough last Saturday, we are really looking forward to a local derby at home to Seaham Red Star,” he said.

“We are expecting a really tough game because Red Star have started the season very well.

“There will be fitness tests needed for James Ellis, Elliott Woods and David Gordon. Returning is Josh Home-Jackson and added to the squad is new signing Christopher Wallace.”

Washington host Newton Aycliffe at the Nissan Complex and go into the game off the back of defeats to Crook Town in the Durham Challenge Cup in midweek and a 4-1 defeat to Morpeth Town in the League last Saturday.

Manager James Clark will have Matthew Fisher and Scott McArdle available for selection.

The visitors are a point and place above the Mechanics, who are still seeking their first win of the season.

Consett manager Mark Eccles has a couple of injury concerns ahead of the Steelmen’s game at home to Ashington.

Ashington will have late fitness tests on Ben Christensen, Ryan Bell, Ben Harmison, Craig Scott and Damien Stevens before the game.

Bottom club Billingham Synthonia travel to Dunston UTS and UTS have Michael Pearson, James Martin and Dan Capewell missing from their squad.

However, there will be late fitness tests for Jake Stafford, Carl Jones, Niall Harrison and Dan Halliday.

The big game sees second-top West Auckland travelling to face league leaders Morpeth Town.