Lee Ashcroft eyes a last-eight FA Vase spot for Longridge Town

Town host Hebburn Town in tomorrow’s fifth-round tie at the Mike Riding Ground with the winners then only two victories away from a Wembley date.

Hebburn are well placed in the Northern Football League First Division and Ashcroft is under no illusion about the task ahead after their win against Northallerton Town last weekend.

He said: “A pal of mine went to watch them on Saturday.

“They are a good footballing side but everyone left in the competition is a decent side.

“They are apparently bringing four coaches of fans so they’ll certainly be well supported but we had 245 at our last home game.

“I just hope the people of Longridge buy into it – we’ve worked hard to get as far as we have.

“We have a bit of cup fever around Longridge and there are posters up around the town to try and get people down there on Saturday.

“I know Preston North End are on early on Saturday so hopefully some of those 
fans will come and watch us after because it’s exciting times.”

While Hebburn had a full week to prepare for Saturday’s tie, Ashcroft’s players had no such luxury.

Instead, they had a North West Counties League Premier Division match at Runcorn Town on Wednesday as they play catch-up on the sides around them in the league table.

However, they were beaten 3-1 with the only positive being that players including Ric Seear, Ethan Walker and Joe Melling could get some game time under their belts given they will be cup-tied tomorrow.

They might be absent this weekend but Town will be boosted by the availability of top scorer Paul Turner after injury.

“The league haven’t helped us,” Ashcroft said of Wednesday’s game.

“It might not have been so bad if it was on the Tuesday but we just have to get on with it.

“We have a few players who won’t be available but Paul Turner will be 100 per cent fit and that’s massive for us.”