FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Abbey Hulton Utd v Droitwich Spa

Isuzu FA Vase. Round 3

This weekend’s FA Vase tie between Abbey Hulton and the Saltmen will be a first for both clubs. Neither have made it to the third round of the competition before and it will also be a first meeting between the two clubs in any competition.

Sky Sports has not yet expanded its coverage to Step 6, where both clubs ply their trade so we don’t know much about Abbey Hulton United and, I suspect, they know very little about us.

We can look at United’s impressive record, particularly at their Birches Head Road home. We should also bear in mind that they sit seventh in their division having accrued 31 points from 19 games.

The weather forecast for Saturday is dreadful. If the games survives the latest (ridiculously named) storm, playing conditions are likely to be less than perfect, albeit the Saltmen recently had some practice playing on a very wet pitch at Tytherington Rocks.

Spa will be without top scoring Alex Dugmore, suspended after last week’s sending off, but still have plenty of goal scoring talent available. It is unclear whether central defender Jamie Sauntson will return from injury this weekend.

It is impossible to predict the winner except to say that this tie guarantees a Step 6 team will be in the Fourth round draw.

The supporter’s coach has sold out but the Potteries are only an hour or so up the M6. It would be great if we can get as much support as possible to the game.

Hopefully I’ll get chance to sample the local delicacy of Oatcakes.

See you there.

Cheers.

Steve

#UTS