By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC goalkeeper Karl Dryden believes momentum will be a key factor on Saturday when the Woodhorn Lane outfit head down to Norfolk to face Kings Lynn in their Emirates FA Cup clash.

Dryden was in goal for the Colliers the last time the club reached the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup in the 2011/12 campaign when they went to Cleethorpes to take on Grimsby Town at Blundell Park – but despite a gallant effort, lost 5-0 against the Mariners.

The 34 year old was also between the posts for Dunston UTS four years ago in front of a capacity crowd when they bowed out of the competition against Gateshead in a match which was televised live on the BBC red button.

Understandably, the Stakeford-based stopper would like nothing better than to reach the first round proper on Saturday: “We have played collectively in our last couple of performances,” he said, “I was happy with a clean sheet in the replay against Stocksbridge and everyone put in a performance and gave 100 per cent and as long as we can take that momentum into Saturday, we should be alright.”

He continued: “We’ve been consistent and hopefully it should stand us in good stead. Anything can happen in cup football and as long as we are on our game – which we have been – who knows?” Dryden was happy with the Colliers 2-1 victory against Tow Law last Saturday: “We returned to league action – our bread and butter – and I thought our consistency and momentum showed today (against Tow Law),” he added, “Things weren’t going our way in the first half but we dug in and got the three points.”