Thornaby FC is hoping to have a double cup boost at Teesdale Park this weekend, with both the men’s and women’s teams in action at home.
On Saturday, the men’s side will be looking for a return to winning ways in the Isuzu FA Vase as they face Jarrow at Teesdale Park (3pm kick-off) in the second qualifying round.
It’s a reunion of last season’s Northern League Division Two play-off final, a match Thornaby won to secure promotion on penalties.
However, the Blues, who will head into this game under the guidance of caretaker boss Andy Campbell, are in need of a big lift after a ten-match winless streak.
“We need to find that desire and determination again,” said Campbell, the club’s director of football. “It’s about enjoying that winning feeling again and hopefully we can get one for the fans on Saturday.
“We’ll be doing everything we can on the pitch, but we’d love for the fans to turn up and give us that extra push to get us into the next round of the Vase.”
The success story continues on Sunday when Thornaby welcome Sunderland West End to Teesdale Park (2pm kick-off) in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
Claire Streeter’s side has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the season following their promotion to the North-East Women’s Regional Premier League.
Thornaby have won three of their opening four games, placing them at the top of the table, a point clear of Ossett, and into the next round of North Riding Cup.
Their opponents this weekend, Sunderland West End, sit in sixth place having played two games, but Streeter isn’t taking anything for granted ahead of the two meeting in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
“We’ve had a brilliant start, and it’s been down to the hard work and dedication of the players,” said Streeter.
“We can’t afford to be complacent, though. We need to continue this impressive run and we know it will not be easy against a tough side.
“Last season was memorable because we reached the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time, so it would be amazing to repeat that.
“We’re hopeful that the crowds will continue to grow as well because the support makes all the difference to the girls.”
* Tickets for the men’s game are priced £7 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2 for U16s. Tickets for the women’s game are priced £4 for adults, £2 for concessions and £1 for U16s. The bar is open and there will be a live singer on too.
