Football | Wythenshawe Town FA Cup preview

Wythenshawe Town boss James Kinsey wants his team to enjoy their run in the FA Cup - but his main focus is on competitions they can win.

Enjoy the experience

Town are at home to 1874 Northwich in the preliminary round, after turning around a two goal deficit against Thackley to progress three weeks ago.

Kinsey’s side were 2-0 down in the extra preliminary round and fought back to secure a 3-2 victory and the £1,125 prize money awarded to the winners.

“It’s an important occasion for the club, and we have to enjoy the experience - but ultimately we’re not going to win the FA Cup. It’s third on our priority list after the league and the FA Vase. We’re all about winning things. It’s great for the club and supporters if you get a cup run, but we are realistic,” he said.

Tough opponents despite good start

Wythenshawe have made a positive start to life in the North West Counties Premier League, and lie second in the table after picking up three victories in their opening five games.

It’s the first time the club have played at Step 5, and have shown no signs of stage fright, with Kinsey believing that there isn’t a big jump in quality from the division below.

Attention turns to 1874, who play one step higher than Wythenshawe in the Northern Premier League West, having been promoted on the combined performances in the two abandoned Covid-hit seasons - just like their hosts on Saturday.

While they have made a slow start in the league, picking up one point from two games, the 29-year-old boss believes they are still favourites to win.

“1874 deserve a lot of respect, it will be a test for us.  I know them well from the past, the squad hasn’t changed massively. They like to pass the ball, so it’s important that we do the dirty work.  We’re the underdogs, but anything can happen in football so let’s see what happens,” he said.

Injuries gives squad players time to impress

Kinsey is having to utilise his whole 22-man squad early in the season, with Greg Wilinson, Lee Gregory and Dom Smalley among the injuries picked up early on.

“We’re not getting the rub of the green with injuries, we’re really depleted,” he admits.

“We have strength in depth though, I can honestly say there’s not one weak link. It’s difficult to keep the lads happy with game time, but every week there’s an injury, or players away, so there’s opportunities there for them all,” he said.

Elsewhere in FA Cup action in Greater Manchester, Avro host Runcorn Linnets, Trafford take on Colne for the second time in a week, Irlam host Skelmersdale United while Mossley travel to Lower Breck.