Marine ready for historic FA Cup clash

Pitching In Northern Premier League N/West side Marine are set to make history in this weekend’s Emirates FA Cup Third Round as they face Premier League’s Tottenham Hotspur.

It is the biggest gulf at this stage of the competition's history, with Marine competing in the eighth tier of English football, and Jose Mourinho’s side currently sitting fourth in the top division.

The clash will be aired live on BBC One on Sunday, January 10 with a 5:00pm kick-off, and while behind-closed-doors, Marine will be opening their stadium to some of the biggest names in football.

“It’s just madness. It’s hard to describe the feeling,” said Marine midfielder James Devine, who has featured in both FA Cup proper rounds so far.

“I don’t think any of us will believe it until the weekend of the game.

“It’s massive for everyone involved. Most of us never thought we’d get this far in our careers, never mind this season, so it’s an unbelievable feeling to do it and with this group of lads makes it that much better.

“It’s unbelievable to be involved in, and like I said it’s unexpected which makes it that whole lot better. Hopefully I can experience something similar to this feeling in the future.”

Marine, who sit sixth in the Northern Premier League N/West division, last featured on Boxing Day claiming a 2-1 victory over City of Liverpool in the league.

Neil Young’s side defeated Havant and Waterlooville in the second round of the FA Cup, thanks to an extra-time winner from Niall Cummins in the 120th minute, having previously defeated Colchester United, Chester, Nantwich Town, Runcorn Linnets, Frickley Athletic and Barnoldswick Town in their FA Cup run so far.

“We’ve been classed as an elite team due to being in the FA Cup which allows us to train up until the game with all the guidelines put in place,” Devine said.

“Training has been good and everyone’s on a high as you can imagine, it’s a great environment to be in and around after work.

“I think everyone knows how big an ask it’s going to be to play against Tottenham.

"We know the difference is huge and we’re realistic about it, but for us it’s about doing each other and everyone at the club proud and coming off the pitch without any regrets.”

Where next?

Statement following latest lockdown An update on the 2020/21 season.
Jack Dunn departs Warrington Town Warrington Town have confirmed that Jack Dunn has left the club to join Welsh side Prestatyn Town.

Match Center

Northern Premier League - Premier
Northern Premier League - East
Northern Premier League - Midlands
Northern Premier League - West

Latest photos

The Pitching In Northern Premier League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe