Stafford Rangers will play FA Cup clash as a “final” says Joe Cuff

Jody Banim’s side can forget about their start to the 2020/21 Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division this Saturday as all focus turns to the cup, with just 90-minutes between them and a place in the FA Cup First Round Proper draw.

North West Counties League Premier Division side Skelmersdale United travel to Marston Road, having defeated Penistone Church, Congleton Town, Bootle, Lancaster City and Longridge Town during their 2020/21 FA Cup journey.

“We will take it as a final game," Cuff said.

"They knocked Lancaster out in a previous round so they’re not to be taken lightly. It will be a very tough game and as a group we’ve prepared for it in the right manner.

“It’s a huge game for the boys as a lot of us have never played in the first round proper and the club as a whole. We’ve trained hard Thursday and expect a very tough game against Skelmersdale.

Cuff scored a brace in Stafford’s Third Round Qualifying success over Hereford, with the club progressing following a 3-1 victory over the National League North side.

He added: “It’s always a good feeling to score a goal, but to score against Hereford and put them out the cup felt a bit more special and definitely embraced the moment with the fans too.

“Hopefully there's more to come Saturday. It would be nice, but to get to the first round is the main aim.”