Albion will be hoping to replicate Wednesday’s cup fortune as we welcome North West Counties League Premier Division Barnoldswick Town to the Oldhaulage Stadium in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Vase, the Premier competition for clubs of our standing. We’ve never played ‘Barlick’ before but have played NWCL opposition seven times previously in the FA Vase including of course Garstang in the previous round. There have been no less than forty two goals in these seven games so fans haven’t been short-changed in these cup ties to date. Should RACA win we’ll match the furthest we have progressed in the tournament to date having made it to the 2nd Round back in 2008/09 where we lost 4-1 at Nostell Miners Welfare in a replayed game following a 2-2 draw at Kingsley Park. Hopefully the pitch will recover fully after a wet Wednesday County Cup tie, with Thursday & Friday forecast to be dry & only some light rain on Saturday. Hopefully there will be a decent attendance although Newcastle United are at home which never helps, but neighbours Prudhoe YC have switched their Vase Tie v Redcar Athletic at Essity Park to Friday night giving Tyne Valley football fans the chance to watch two nearby Vase ties in 24 hours. This tie is worth £1100 to the winners as well as the prestige of progressing in a national tournament. Kick off for our game is 3pm and we’ll be printing a match day programme for this special fixture which will be available at the entrance booth for £2. Only seven wins from Wembley! Howay The Lads!