Owen Watkinson previews “massive” FA Cup clash with Wrexham

Six teams from the Pitching In Northern Premier League remain in this year’s cup competition, and Hollywood owned Wrexham, who feature in the National League, will travel to the Marine Travel Arena this Saturday.

In last year’s competition, Neil Young’s side broke records as they made it to the Third Proper Round, defeating the likes of Havant & Waterlooville, Colchester United and Chester along the way, to host Premier League’s Tottenham Hotspur, eventually being knocked out with a 5-0 score.

“It’s a massive game Saturday against a very strong outfit who have clearly invested heavily in their push for promotion,” said Watkinson.

“But, if we step up our game to where we believe we can be I think we can give them a serious test.

“It’s a massive chance for us to go out and show everyone what we are made of and what we can achieve this season. Hopefully, with the crowd behind us we can go and put a performance on what we can be proud of.”

Marine currently sit second in the Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division table in the 2021/22 season, with a record of eight wins and two defeats, sitting just three points behind table-toppers Workington with two games in hand.

“It has been a good start to the season for us a team progressing in all the competitions and having a solid start to the league campaign,” the striker added.

“It’s a big game for the club and ourselves as individuals so you’ve got to thrive in these occasions and I believe everyone on Saturday will step up and give their all.

“The fans have been incredible this season, not only just at home but away from home as well.

“If I go back to the first FA Cup game at home to Workington, all the players felt the energy of the crowd going into extra time which thankfully gave us that little extra to go on and get that vital goal.”