Some teams relish the underdog tag when they enter The Emirates FA Cup.
That's the case for Pontefract Collieries, who are loving the challenge of picking off bigger teams as they gear up for this weekend’s Emirates FA Cup first round qualifying clash with old rivals Tadcaster Albion.
The Colls have beaten Runcorn and Bootle to reach this stage and now face a Tadcaster side who beat them twice on the way to winning the Northern Counties East Football Premier Division last term.
Pontefract Collieries v Tadcaster Albion
The Emirates FA Cup
First Round Qualifying
3pm, Saturday 3 September 2016
Harrat Nissan Stadium
Winning clubs receive £3000 from prize fund
By Charlie Bennett
Pontefract’s season ended in relegation but a new squad has bred fresh momentum, and they feel confident of a third straight upset as they seek progression to the next round.
‘Confidence’ is the buzz word, according to assistant boss Craig Rouse, and their Cup form has transferred across to the league with two wins from two so far.
"We got what we thought were hard draws at Runcorn and Bootle, but we were quietly confident against both and we got two big results," said Rouse.
"We are full of confidence. There will be no secrets between us and Tadcaster – we are only 20 miles apart and we played them twice last season.
"They have not made that many changes to their squad but we have done a bit of business. We needed a new squad and we are delighted with the players we brought in because there is a lot of quality.
"They beat us 2-0 at their place and 1-0 at ours with a last-minute goal last season, so we were close to them even though we were miles apart in the league.
"There is an element of revenge on our minds if you like, they went up and rightly so, they have a good manager and are a good side.
"We are underdogs and we like that, we have exceeded all expectations already and we’ll just enjoy it.
"It is massive for the club and allows us to relax away from the league season. We could not be in better form or better spirits ahead of Saturday."
The Emirates FA Cup first round qualifying begins this weekend
Emirates FA Cup history
Victory for Pontefract would see them move into second round qualifying for the first time in their history.
They have reached this stage twice before, in 1995-96 and 1997-98.
Cup success is nothing new though for Pontefract, who have won the Embleton Cup four times and the Castleford FA Cup five times.
Tadcaster reached the third round qualifying four seasons ago, losing 2-0 to Boston United
Did you know?
Pontefract spent 16 consecutive seasons in the Northern Counties East League Division One before their promotion to the Premier Division two seasons ago.
They got there in style as they earned the most clean sheets and had the second best defence, while also finishing as joint top scorers with Louth Town.
But their return lasted just one year as they were relegated with 25 defeats from 42 league games.
Tadcaster were originally named John Smith’s Football Club, so called because their ground was situated behind the John Smith’s brewery.
Ones to watch
Rouse has been impressed with his new forward line, and the relationship between Jordan Turner, Chris Wood and Mike Dunn is strengthening with each game.
Dunn scored twice against Ollerton and, although there are goalscorers throughout the squad, they are the ones who Rouse tips to carry them through.
"Jordan, Chris and Mike are all on fire and are confident, scoring goals and playing well," he said.
"They have pace, an understanding of each other and are bang in form. They should do well.
"We sometimes play 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 with one in behind so we are flexible. Wherever they play, they impress."
The Prize
The winner of the tie will take home £3000 and boom themselves a place in the next round – where there is £4,500 up for grabs.
