THE 1874 Northwich captain, Matthew Woolley, hopes his teammates will be inspired by a former foe when they resume their FA Vase campaign on Saturday.

Glossop North End, their conquerors in last season’s edition, went on to play in the final at Wembley in May.

“They proved teams from our league can be successful in this competition,” said the 25-year-old.

“We had a good run too, but let ourselves down when we played them.

“The FA Vase is something the club is taking seriously, the gaffer has said as much to the lads he signed in the summer.

“If we can go far, it will only benefit the club in terms of raising our profile as well as bringing in a bit of prize money.”

However they have a daunting obstacle blocking their path to the third round.

Morpeth Town, hosts this weekend, are five points clear at the Northern League summit after winning 13 of 17 matches to date.

1874 boss Ian Street was sat in the stand to watch the latest of those, at Norton & Stockton Ancients.

“He text me to say they’re a good side,” said Woolley.

“But we expect that. What we must prove is we can compete with them.”

On a similarly daunting trip north at the same stage last year, 1874 recovered from the first-half dismissal of Adam Bayley to beat Bishop Auckland.

It is a win that made rivals take note.

“Northern League teams have dominated the FA Vase in recent seasons,” added Woolley.

“So for us to go up there and win the way we did raised eyebrows – people started asking who we were.

“We’re capable, but only if we get the details right.

“If we don’t match them physically, or work as hard, we’ll find it tough.

“If we do, then we’ve got the quality in attack to get through.”

A 4-2 success at home to Nelson on Saturday, the third anniversary of the club’s formation, was a fifth in the past half-dozen North West Counties League matches.

They have climbed to second in the Premier Division as a reward.

Woolley added: “We feel good, and confidence is high.

“There was a wobble at the weekend when we allowed them to recover after we led 2-0, but we quickly got back on track.

“We might not be so lucky though if we switch off again.”

He told the Guardian the team will travel to Northumberland on Friday, staying overnight.

Rather than add pressure, he believes it can help.

“The club are looking after us and we want to repay them out on the pitch,” he said.

“It’s good for the lads to spend time together before such a big game, and we know how much it means to the supporters.

“They’re right behind us, and we’ll give 100 per cent.”

If Saturday’s game ends level, then a replay will follow next Tuesday at Barton Stadium.

Northwich Guardian:

Matthew Woolley in action for 1874 Northwich against Maltby Main during an FA Cup tie in August