MANAGER’S NOTES SHANE GOLDRICK

Good afternoon and welcome to the Hollyhedge Community Stadium for today’s Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round match against Campion. I was in the crowd a few years ago when the Club played their first ever match in the FA Cup against Shelley, but to be able to manage the Club in such an illustrious competition really is an exciting prospect, and I know the lads are all eager to secure the victory this afternoon and ensure our name is in the hat for thedraw for the nextround.

I would like to offer a warm welcome to James Bicknell, his management team, players and all of the supporters who have travelled over the Pennines for today’s game. Like ourselves Campion won the North East Counties First Division last season to secure promotion to the Premier Division.

The start to the season has been fantastic and I am delighted with the players’ application over the two league games we have played. The lads have taken on board everything we worked on during pre-season and have put it into practice in both games which is extremelypleasingtosee.

Our opening day fixture against Ramsbottom was a fantastic occasion, and I thought the lads were brilliantfromstarttofinish.

The opening goal was always going to be key and it came at the perfect time for us, with Chris giving us the lead just before the half time whistle. I was pleased with the ruthlessness shown by the lads to keep pressing Rasmbottom high up the pitch and this was rewarded withdebutgoalsforAdam and Darrhyl and a great finish fromBryantosealthe victory.

We followed up Saturday’s win with a tough away match at Cheadle Town, a fixture we lost 3v2 last season. Again the lads were brilliant from the firstwhistle.

The quality we have had on the bench for the first two games is a sign of how strong a squad we have assembled, and with more players due to return from injury and holidays over the next week, Jake, Mike and I have some real selection headaches aheadofus.

Your support last week was outstanding and the lads fully appreciated your backing. I know we will have another large crowd behind us today, and we will need all of your support if we are to secure a placeinthenextround.

Shane