Friday, October 15, 2010

Castle boss keen to tame United hordes

 Source: Staffordshire Sentinel

 TOUGH TASK: Greg Clowes is looking forward to the challenge as Castle travel to FC United of Manchester.

 NEWCASTLE Town must be prepared to take on an "extra man" when they clash with FC United in a first qualifying round tie at Bury's Gigg Lane.

Manager Greg Clowes explained: "The name of FC United does not frighten me in the least, but with 1,500 to 2,000 people egging them on it will be like playing against 12 men."

Newcastle are taking 100 supporters of their own as they play their NINTH cup tie of the season.

"We have played only eight games in the league, so it is quite scary. You would not expect to get to this stage of the season in that situation."

Castle progressed in the Evo-Stik President's Cup in midweek when they recovered from 0-2 down at half-time to beat Market Drayton 3-2 and remain unbeaten.

Clowes said: "I was very pleased because I was keen to stay in the competition.

"We made changes and it was one-way traffic in the second half."

Clowes gave a start to striker Anthony Malbon and was impressed by the Port Vale teenager, who has joined Newcastle on a month's loan.

He said: "Anthony had a good debut. He is prepared to listen and I was pleased with him.

"We are not under pressure from Vale to play him, but it has to work both ways.

"Anthony will start tomorrow on the strength of how he played at Market Drayton."

Castle will be without skipper Paul Donnelly, who is unavailable, so Karl Espley will be handed the task of containing United dangerman Mike Norton.

Norton has scored 10 goals in 13 starts, and Clowes said: "If we don't get to grips with him he will cause us problems.

"We will travel as underdogs, but we will see what we can come up with."

NANTWICH Town are at home to Prescot Cables, having recovered their breath from Wednesday's 6-6 draw at Mickleover in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

"It was an amazing match, the likes of which I have never experienced before," said Dabbers boss Kevin Street.

"We started well, but for a 15-minute spell in the second half they murdered us to lead 6-2. But the one thing I can say about my players is that they never give up.

"They could have crumbled, but the team spirit is superb.

"Had we played for another two minutes I think we would have won.

"But quite clearly we have to improve defensively.

"It was a sloppy game, but had exciting football.

"The Prescot game gives us a opportunity to give the fans something to cheer, and a good cup run can also improve league form."