Morpeth Town kick off the defence of their Buildbase FA Vase crown on Saturday and joint manager Nick Gray insists his new-look side are just as capable as their predecessors of going all the way.
Almost half of the side that sealed a famous 4-1 win over Hereford in last season’s final at Wembley have moved on – including cult hero Chris Swailes, who became the oldest goalscorer in a final at Wembley at the age of 45.
But the Northern League Division One side have been in fine form of late in the league and travel to a Hallam team on Saturday that sit two leagues below them.
And after last season’s fairytale run, Gray knows Morpeth will have to be at their very best if they are to repeat the trick this campaign.
“The Vase really put the club on the map, not just the north east, but nationally as well and the crowds have gone up this season as a result,” said Gray – who is joint manager with Dave Malone.
“That was a wonderful achievement, and one that we know we might never get again.
“This season everyone is right behind us and it has been wonderful – we had a bit of a hangover but we are back at our best now.
“We had such a wonderful experience in the Vase last year, it really was terrific and something that we would love to repeat.
“But we know how difficult it was last year and defending it this year is going to be even harder.”
In-form striker Mark Davison – who has seven goals in his last three games for the Highwaymen – is cup tied for the clash and Gray knows Hallam will provide a stern test.
“We have signed half a dozen new players and there were four or five who left – including the two goalscorers in the Vase – but the nucleus of the side is still there,” he added.
“Some players have left but everyone here is hungry to repeat that success.
“Hallam had a great win last round – when they were down to 10 men as well – and have had a good unbeaten run and we know how tough it will be.”
FA Vase history
Morpeth Town are the defending champions after securing the FA Vase last season with a 4-1 win over Hereford at Wembley. Hallam were knocked out in the first round by Runcorn last season but did make it as far as the fifth round in 1980-81.
Did you know?
Prior to winning the Vase last season, Morpeth had never before been past the fifth round of this competition. The Highwaymen needed two penalty shootouts, against South Shields in the third round and Bowers & Pitsea in the semi-final replay – to make it to Wembley and their spot in the history books.
One to watch
Mark Davison only joined Morpeth a month ago but has hit the ground running with seven goals in his last three games. But he is cup tied this weekend so Liam Henderson, also signed this season from Spennymoor Town, will hope to fill the void up front.
The prize
The winner of Saturday’s clash will pick up £750 as well as a spot in the third round.
