The Buildbase FA Vase first round proper is within touching distance, but 1874 Northwich co-manager Wayne Goodisonn is trying to keep a cool head as they prepare to face rivals Congleton.
Northwich have already had something to cheer about this season, having beaten National League North side North Ferriby in the Emirates FA Cup last weekend.
And Goodison, who shares duties with Paul Bowyer, has revealed the mood is good in the camp ahead of their game at the Barton Stadium on Sunday.
“Confidence is pretty high at the moment – we got a late equaliser in our last game and I think that just shows the spirit they have amongst them,” he said.
“It has been quite a big week for us. The focus has been on the cups recently with replays. It’s another game and another competition we want to progress in.
“We’ve had replays and we’ve played a lot of cup games. For the club, it’s great because we’re on our best-ever run in the FA Cup and we want to replicate that in the FA Vase.”
The contest also sees Congleton Town manager Ian Street return to his former club and Goodison believes there will be added incentive to beat their local rivals.
“It’s a local derby and it does add some spice,” he said.
“Their manager is our former manager and we have a few of their former players so I think it should be a good atmosphere.
“Every round we get through in the FA Cup is of course a massive bonus but in the FA Vase we should be looking to progress a bit deeper – you need a bit of luck but you’ve seen teams from our area have progressed quite far and we want to replicate that.
“So it’s important from that point of view because the fans can see it as a big positive. If you get a bit further on and you draw a team that’s not in our league, then you have to travel and the fans love that so I think it’s a great competition.
“You don’t enter anything without wanting to win it. You have to have a bit of fortune with the draw along the route.”
Buildbase FA Vase history
Since forming in 2012, the Northwichers best performance in the competition came in the 2014-15 season when they reached the third round before eventually losing 3-0 at home to Glossop North End. As for Congleton Town, they have gone two stages further than their opponents in 2004 when they lost to AFC Sudbury in round five. The Bears also reached round four in in 2014 when they eventually fell to Newcastle Benfield, 3-1.
Did you know?
Phoenix club 1874 Northwich are fully owned by its supporters and broke away from Northwich Victoria five years ago.
One to watch
With eight goals in nine games, Scott McGowan has been on fire this season for 1874 Northwich.
The Scottish marksman has already netted a hat-trick this season against neighbours Barnton in a 3-3 draw and his goals could prove crucial in getting into the first round proper.
The prize
The winners of Sunday’s clash will progress to the First Round Proper, netting £725 in prize money.
