By Brian Bennett

Horden Community Welfare manager Jonny Payne is looking forward to his sides’ clash against Ashington in the extra preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday (August 8).

And the long serving boss of the Ebac Northern League first division side reckons his outfit have got a free hit and will have nothing to lose when they line up for the 3pm kick off against the Colliers who operate in the NPL East Division – one league above.

Payne, who is in his tenth season as boss of ‘The Marras’ said: “We had a really good pre season winning all six friendlies including Stockton Town and we’ve secured a win and a draw from the two league games which we have played so far. We didn’t have a fixture at the weekend but face a hard match against Whitley Bay on Tuesday (August 4).” Payne will then focus on the Cup tie and added: “We’re looking forward to it. I played against Ashington at their former home of Portland Park and it was a lively place to go to – but I always enjoyed going up there. The set up at Woodhorn Lane looks tremendous and I’ve heard good things about the pitch. To be honest, it’s a free hit for us. It’s a stress-free situation and it’s an opportunity for my lads to play without much pressure on their shoulders. We are a close knit bunch and obviously want to progress and we’ll be giving it our best shot.”