Archive - Friday, 8 January 1999


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PACE TO TAME THAME

WARRINGTON Town are racing to get their Cantilever Park pitch into shape in time for their FA Vase showdown with Thame United.

Victory tomorrow, Saturday, in the fourth round tie would put Town in the last 16 of the competition and within sight of a trip to Wembley.

But heavy rain has left the pitch badly waterlogged with an inspection due today, Friday, to decide if the game can go ahead.

Manager Dave Hughes says a couple of days of dry weather are vital to allow the ground chance to drain before the game.

He added: "The pitch drains well enough, given the chance, but we've not even been able to get on it with the roller for several days so it's looking touch and go at the moment."

Thame represent a tough challenge having only lost four games this season and scored an average of three goals per match on their travels.

The Oxfordshire side currently lie third in Rymans League Division Two.

Town started their golden jubilee year in grand style with a 4-1 away win against Curzon Ashton on Saturday and are desperate to continue their celebrations this weekend.

Hughes said his young charges are certainly fired up for the challenge ahead.

"It's going to be tough but we're certainly not afraid of them," he added.

"The lads are really looking forward to it and I'm confident they'll keep any nerves they've got from inhibiting them on the day. We've got to get at Thame because they may be a team who score a lot of goals, but they also concede quite a few as well.

"They're a solid side who play well together but we've got the pace to cause them problems."

Steve Cartledge and Terry Nestor are both struggling with minor injuries that will need late fitness tests. Hughes is optimistic that Nestor will shake off a knee strain while Cartledge has a hamstring problem.

This will be Town's fourth home tie in the competition are they previously beat Osset Albion 3-1 after extra-time, Louth United 2-0 and Heanor Town 2-1 after extra-time.

Entry for the game will cost £4 for adults and £2 concessions.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.