LEAGUE ACTION goes on the back burner this weekend as Brighouse Town head to rugby league country to take on Widnes FC in the preliminary round of the Buildbase FA Trophy at the DCBL Stadium they share with RL Championship club Widnes Vikings (3.00).
Widnes, who are third from bottom of the 20-strong NPL West Division with just one win in eight games, have just parted company with their joint managers Kevin Towey and Steven Akrigg.
Town manager Vill Powell had them watched last weekend when they lost 1-0 at home in their 15,000-seater home to league leaders Workington and with new manager Dave Dempsey in charge after he left Ashton Town where he was in his second spell at the North West Counties Division One North club.
Widnes play on a 4G pitch and Town are used to this surface with training and playing games at the West Riding County FA at Woodlesford, Leeds.
Centre half Matty Nebard, who suffered a thigh injury at home to Bridlington a week last Monday, is doubtful but there is better news about full-back Sam Reed who suffered hamstring problems back in August. Powell said his man was well on the way to recovery ahead of Tuesday evening’s training session.
Fullback Jack Tinker, who was sent off in the FA Cup preliminary round at Shildon, is now clear to be considered for selection again, while wideman Leighton Sawyer is getting in some valuable game time at Worsborough Bridge and doing well, according to his manager, after not being selected for first team duty this term as of yet.
The players and officials will depart from the Old Pond at 11.30 am on Saturday and there is still room for a few supporters who need to book on 07483 119054 by 7pm tonight (Thursday)
Saturday week’s away game at Marske has been cancelled with the Redcar area side still in the FA Cup and due to host Chester City, so it will now be replayed on Tuesday, October 12 (7.45).
The Hebburn Town away league game cancelled last Saturday as the Newcastle-based club was away at York City in the FA Cup, where they lost 3-0, will be played on Tuesday, October 19 (7.45). That now means Town have three away games in seven days in the north east with Shildon being the league opponents on the Saturday, October 16 (3.0).
Town have fixed their home West Riding County FA Senior Cup first round tie with Knaresborough Town for Monday, November 1 (7.45).
Town’s academy side who are in full time BTECH education under Sowerby Bridge-based manager Simon Ward, begin their league season today(Thursday) when they entertain Derby district club Mickleover’s U-18s (12.00). Admission is free and the Yorkshire Payments clubhouse will be open for food and beverages across lunchtime.
