Kendal Town open their FA Cup campaign in the North East at Thornaby tomorrow – and chairman Michael O’Neill can’t wait.
Although the Mintcakes have lost both opening away games at Vauxhall and Barnoldswick by an aggregate of 6-1, O’Neill is confident that the new-look squad and management team will get it right.
He says: “We always knew it was going to take time with a new squad being put together by a new manager so we are not downhearted, but looking forward to the magic of the FA Cup.
“In actual fact our 4-1 defeat on Tuesday at Barnoldswick was naturally disappointing but the team played really well. Their goalkeeper Harry Smith was given man of the matych, and in a 4-1 win for his side that says a lot.
“We got an early goal and could have been three-up in ten minutes. We created a lot of chances and it wasn’t so much bad finishing but excellent goalkeeping that denied us.
“The FA Cup is a competition we want to do well in and everyone is looking forward to the game with a full squad to travel and the chance to progress in the competition.”
Thornaby, who play in the Northern League First Division, lost 2-1 at home to Carlisle City on Wednesday and on the opening day last week-end lost 3-2, again at home, to Guisborough.
The winners of each extra preliminary round tie will pick up £1,125 while losers will still get a cheque for £375.
