Edmondson: We won't think about Eastwood until after Harrogate game

By Martin Morgan

Last updated 17:12, Tuesday, 30 September 2008

Darren Edmondson is putting all thoughts of a potential FA Cup date at Eastwood Town out of his mind until after Workington Reds’ tricky replay at Harrogate.

The winners of tonight’s tie travel to the UniBond Premier outfit in the third qualifying round on October 11, with a great chance of making progress. But the Reds boss admits he cannot think that far ahead.

“Harrogate are extremely good at home, so, for now, I’m forgetting Eastwood,” Edmondson said. “It’s a decent draw, but it doesn’t get us through tonight.

“We’ll need to have the same mentality we had on Saturday, and perhaps look for a bit of luck.”

Manager Neil Aspin admitted that Harrogate had been fortunate to escape with a 0-0 draw at Borough Park on Saturday.

“After the game he told me that not many had done that to his team, so we have to take the positives from it,” added Edmondson.

“Our squad’s not a million miles away, but we have to play to our maximum every game.”

Striker Jonny Wright is struggling to be fit tonight after suffering a badly swollen toe on Saturday, while Gari Rowntree, Tony Hopper and Phil McLuckie are trying to rearrange work commitments.

“It’s just one of those things with part-time football,” Edmondson said. “As it stands, it might be an issue.”

Injury-hit Harrogate are also struggling for numbers and expect to field only four subs tonight.

Eastwood, in 10th, have opened the campaign with three wins, four draws and two defeats.