Gary wants to see some Dunkirk spirit
Dec 2 2010 by Steve Brown, The Journal
GARY MIDDLETON has challenged his undercooked Ashington stars to show some Dunkirk spirit in Saturday’s scheduled FA Vase clash.
The Colliers have not played for a fortnight due to the current inclement weather.
But earlier this week famously camera-shy Middleton was confident that better conditions in the East Midlands means the third round tie at Nottinghamshire-based Dunkirk is likely to go ahead.
The reigning East Midlands Counties champions – who reached the fifth round of the Vase in 1994 – earned promotion last season to the Midland Alliance, and stand eight in the table.
Ashington have barely been able to train, let alone play a competitive match of late – with recent games against South Shields and Whitley Bay postponed.
So should the trip to the Ron Steel Sports Ground go ahead, Middleton anticipates a tough examination, but one he remains confident of coming through.
“I don’t think the weather is as bad down there so there may be a chance of it going ahead,” Middleton said.
“Plans and preparation have been completely stopped this past week due to all of our training facilities being unplayable.
“We managed to get an indoor facility for Wednesday evening but it wasn’t ideal. Also it’s a question of players travelling to venues, which needs to be taken into consideration.”
Dunkirk too, and Middleton and his coaching staff of Neil Winskill and Richie Bond know all about Dave Harbottle and Ian Upton’s side thanks to a spot of scouting.
“We have taken them in and know it will be a tough test of character,” said Middleton.
“But we have a real desire to go away from home again and get a good result against an organised and quality team, but one that once again we are capable of beating.
“We have some players coming back from injury in Mark O’Dea, Marc Walmsley, Damen Mullen and Steven Shaw, our captain who fractured his ankle in the last round.
“I wanted to test out all of them in competitive training sessions this week but the weather has put paid to this.
“I will have to assess my options come Friday to choose a team we think will bring the correct result back up to Northumberland.”
