By Brian Bennett | Photo: Rachel McDonald
Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner says he would ‘love’ another home draw in the third qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The boss was speaking minutes after his side had produced another cup upset at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday when a crowd of 711 – which bettered the attendance in their previous round replay win over Ashton United – witnessed another piece of giant killing when the Colliers knocked out Bradford Park Avenue who operate three divisions higher in the National League North.
Skinner’s side got off to a flying start when Bradford defender Reece Staunton put through his own goal after only five minutes then with quarter of an hour to go, skipper Ben Harmison added a second. When Bradford substitute Will Longbottom pulled one back with eight minutes to go, it made for a nervous finale but apart from Eddie Church having an effort disallowed for offside for the visitors, the Ashington goal was never troubled.
Now the Wansbeck outfit eagerly await the next round draw which will be released on Tuesday afternoon. Traditionally it is conducted on the Monday after the cup ties but has been put back 24 hours with the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II taking place.
Skinner said: “I’d love it if we can get another home draw. I mentioned during the week leading up to the Bradford game that I fancied our chances against anybody on home soil and after claiming the scalps of higher league opposition in Ashton United and now Bradford Park Avenue at Woodhorn Lane, that’s what I’ll be hoping for.”