Dickie Ord wants spirit of 2009 to inspire Durham City

 Source: Sunderland Echo

 Published on Wednesday 9 November 2011 13:30

DURHAM City boss Dickie Ord will remind his players of a memorable March day two years ago when he gives his pre-match talk at tonight’s FA Trophy replay against FC United of Manchester at Gigg Lane, Bury.

It was then that City won for the first time in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division and Ord remembers the occasion very well.

Ord, right, said: “We hadn’t won a match all season. The main sponsor had pulled the plug, most of the squad had left and the club was really struggling on and off the field.

“We were fielding a team of kids week-in and week-out and went to Bury with everybody predicting another hiding.

“But what a day it turned out to be. We won 2-1 and although we managed just two victories all season, that was a result to savour. It was one of the best feelings I’ve had in football.

“We did it then and there’s no reason why we cannot repeat the result tonight.

“I thought we deserved to defeat them at the first attempt on Saturday, but a couple of decisions didn’t go our way, so we are certainly up for the task tonight.”

Ord is sweating, though, on the availability of centre-half Ross Wilkinson, who is unsure whether he will be able to travel because of work commitments.

“The bus leaves at 3.30pm and I’ll wait until the very last minute for Ross.

“His absence would be a massive blow since he has been in outstanding form,” added Ord, who expects Stephen Thompson to come through a fitness test.

Washington will aim to arrest a losing sequence when they line up with Shildon at the Nissan Sports Complex in the Second Round of the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup.

Manager Richie Latimer, who is looking to strengthen the squad, welcomes the return of Nicky Evans and John Lydon.

Birtley Town, who moved into third in Division Two at the weekend, could upset the odds at First Division Guisborough Town, who have slipped into the relegation zone.

A close result is anticipated at Waterhouses, where Esh Winning have home advantage over Second Division leaders Team Northumbria, whose recent results have been erratic.

In contrast, Spennymoor are enjoying a rich vein of form and they are firm favourites to go through at Morpeth Town.

Easington Colliery, now fourth-from-bottom in the Second Division, are at home to Hebburn in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup.

Manager Mark Proudlock has yet to announce his starting line-up.