By Brian Bennett | Photo: Rachel McDonald

Ashington FC chairman Brian Shotton has his eyes on a bumper attendance at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night when the Colliers meet Stocksbridge Park Steels in the replay of their Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round tie which finished 2-2 at the Eco power Stadium on Saturday.

With home attendances of 671 against Ashton United in their first qualifying round replay followed by 711 in the next tie against Bradford Park Avenue, FA Cup fever has certainly gripped the people of Wansbeck.

Now Mr Shotton is optimistic of attracting a crowd of over 1,000 for Tuesday’s 7.45pm kick-off against their opponents from the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division side.

“Obviously we would have preferred to have won the game on the day but the replay gives us another opportunity to showcase the club in front of plenty of home supporters,” he said, “I’d like to think – and I might be a bit ambitious – that we may break the four figure mark on Tuesday. I believe there’s a bit of momentum building off the field which was proved today by the fantastic support of 150 plus fans who travelled down to Sheffield.”

He continued: “I thought we should have won on Saturday but when they got the equaliser with five minutes of normal time left, you then take the replay. It’s a hard place to go and conditions were a bit iffy with a swirling wind but hopefully we can get through on Tuesday.”

Kick off is 7.45pm.