Linnets can use 2003 FA Trophy win as inspiration

Sep 13 2012 Ormskirk Advertiser

BURSCOUGH'S affection for the FA Trophy has not been lost on manager Derek Goulding as he prepares to lead his team into the preliminary round of the competition on Saturday.

The Linnets face a tough test at fellow Evo-Stik League First Division North outfit Garforth Town.

And although it's now nine years since that unforgettable spring day at Villa Park when Burscough defeated Tamworth 2-1, Goulding is acutely aware of the importance of the competition to the West Lancashire club.

"It was a great day for the club when they won the FA Trophy," Goulding said.

"And the club are quite rightly proud of their history in the competition.

"We are desperate for any success just now and we want to put the smiles back on the faces of Burscough fans and everyone associated with the club."

With that in mind, Goulding is promising to lead his team into the Garforth game with a positive attitude knowing that a victory would swell the club's coffers by £2300.

The financial benefits are all the more important given another route to financial support - the FA Cup - was closed off to the Linnets for this season when Witton Albion secured a 4-2 win at Victoria Park in the competition's first qualifying round last Saturday.

Reflecting on the exit, Goulding said: "The performance, apart from the first 15 minutes or so, was good.

“And there were a number of positive points to take from the game.

"Already I can see signs that this season is much better than the last one.

"This season is all about establishing ourselves again. We want to see how far we have recovered."

One piece of encouraging team news for Goulding is the return to fitness of striker Niall Cummins.

“The forward had shown plenty of promise before he was sidelined with an Achilles injury in the FA Cup draw at Padiham at the end of last month.

“He is likely to be in Goulding's squad for the trip over the Pennines. Saturday's match kicks-off at 3pm.