By Brian Bennett

Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup Quarter final:

Ashington v Newcastle Blue Star – Tuesday November 19

Ashington manager Nick Gray says supporters are in for a ‘test of nerves’ when his side come face to face with Newcastle Blue Star on Tuesday night (November 19).

The two teams clash in the quarter final of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup at Woodhorn Lane – a tournament which is close to Gray’s heart: “It’s a great cup competition,” he said, “I’ve been lucky enough to have won it before and been involved in three finals and what makes it even more special is that the showpiece is held at Newcastle United’s St James Park ground which is great for the players as well as the fans. Newcastle Blue Star are having a good season and I know that they will also be up for the game. They include a few of my ex players in their squad in Chris Reid, Liam Henderson and goalkeeper Dan Lister and I reckon for supporters it’ll be a test of nerves on the night.”

He continued: “We’re on home territory and I’d like to think that we’ll go into the clash with confidence and give our all to try and progress into the last four. The league is our bread and butter – however supporters like cup competitions. We may be in the Northern Premier League East Division which is one above Blue Star but that will mean nothing on the night as we know it’s going to be a tough game.”

He went on: “The game should attract a big crowd and our fans can help us without a doubt. They’ve been great since I came – attendances have been excellent – and they are backing us because they are seeing the effort which the lads are putting in. I have also spoken to some of them (the fans) who say that although results haven’t been great, we are making progress and I back those comments up 100 per cent.” Kick off is 7.30pm.