Horden CW boss Jonny Payne eyes 'free hit' FA Cup clash against Ashington

Horden Community Welfare manager Jonny Payne is looking forward to his side’s clash against Ashington in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

And the long-serving boss of the Ebac Northern League Division One outfit reckons his team have got a free hit, and will have nothing to lose when they line up for the 3pm kick-off against the Colliers - who operate one league above in the NPL East.

Payne, who is in his tenth season as manager of The Marras said: “We had a really good preseason, winning all six friendlies - including against Stockton Town - and we’ve secured a win and a draw from the two league games we have played so far. We didn’t have a fixture at the weekend, but face a hard match against Whitley Bay on Tuesday.”

After that midweek outing for his side, Payne will then turn his attention to the upcoming cup tie, and added: “We’re looking forward to it. I played against Ashington at their former home of Portland Park, and it was a lively place to go to - but I always enjoyed going up there. The set up at Woodhorn Lane looks tremendous, and I’ve heard good things about the pitch. To be honest, it’s a free hit for us. It’s a stress-free situation and it’s an opportunity for my lads to play without much pressure on their shoulders. We are a close knit bunch and obviously want to progress. We’ll be giving it our best shot.”