Talk Is Over...Storks Ready For Action!

Source: burnleytoday.co.uk

THE tickets are flying out, the pies have been ordered, and the stage is set.

But more importantly, all the talk is now over.
Padiham are gearing up for undoubtedly the biggest game in their history tomorrow.
And boss Steve Wilkes admits he is getting goosebumps already.
FC United and their barrage of supporters make the trip to the Arbories in the first round of the FA Carlsberg Vase (kick-off 3 p.m.).
And Wilkes can't wait for tomorrow to come around: "This is a massive weekend for us, massive.
"I'm really looking forward to it, because these kinds of games don't come around every day.
"But it is strange for me, because as much as I want to win the game, it is important for the football club to benefit in other areas.
"I don't think a game of this size has come to Padiham for a long time, so I just hope we can attract as many people as we can.
"To be honest, it couldn't have dropped on a better weekend, but we want as many people to come and support Padiham as possible.
"We want them to support us and be up for it, because there is no doubt that we all are.
"Obviously we are big underdogs, but there is no pressure on us, and we will be going out to enjoy ourselves."
"We're in our back yard, but the unfortunate thing is our facilities are fantastic.
"The changing rooms are fantastic, and our pitch is one of the best in the league.
"I've been trying to get some tractors up to churn the pitch up a bit, but that hasn't worked!"
He added: "The one thing I can say is that I won't have to gee the lads up for the game.
"We'll have to roll our sleeves up and work hard, but the motivation should come itself.
"If you can't get up for a game like this, then you can't get up for anything.
"I get goosebumps just thinking about the game, that's what it means to me.
"But I got to the semi-finals of this competition with Bamber Bridge, so the competition means a lot as well.
"We have to go out there and battle, but I have got every faith in my players that they will do.
"If I didn't, I wouldn't have them with me, simple as that."
A massive 231 sides still harbour hopes of FA Carlsberg Vase glory.
But Wilkes feels his side will be the envy of them all when they take to the field tomorrow.
And he admitted his stomach started to do somersaults after the final whistle in the last round: "Even when we beat Cheadle, if I said we hadn't spoke about this game I'd be lying.
"At 3 p.m. on Saturday, we will be the envy of every other side in the FA Vase.
"Everyone will have one eye on the outcome of this game, because everyone wants to play them at some stage.
"They'll definitely be one of the favourites, but financially, everyone wants to play them.
"The North West Counties First Division is as high as it goes in the Vase, and they are no mugs themselves.
"But the two games we played against them last season, we were disappointed not to come away with anything.
"We thought we deserved something from both games, but we need to go out there and keep the fans quiet.
"They are a big reason for their success, but it's what happens on the day."
Wilkes was in the stand to witness FC United suffer their first defeat of the season on Tuesday.
After 12 successive wins, two late goals saw them beaten 2-1 at Salford City.
And that result was met with disappointment from the Storks boss: "At the end of the day, this side are no world beaters.
"Salford got two late goals against them on Tuesday, but in a strange way, I was quite disappointed with that result.
"Every run has to come to an end sometime, whether you are Chelsea or Daisy Hill.
"The law of averages say everyone has to lose at some point, but I would have preferred them to come here still unbeaten.
"That way I could have said to the lads 'go out and be the first lads to beat them this season'.
"But we will have to make do with being the second side instead."
Tickets will remain on sale until tonight from the Padiham life office in the town hall, the Bridge Inn Pub and Mark Jinkinson Optometrists, priced at £7 for adults and £2 for Under 16s. There will be no paid admission to The Arbories on the day.
Fans are asked to arrive at the ground early, with the gates open from 1-30 p.m.
Further information on the game is available from secretary Alan Smith (07775 717698).
l Full report and picture special in Tuesday's Express.