I think when the draw was first made, there where differing trains of thought. It’s the Integro Cup, the League Cup for the Northern Premier League. Although sponsored, there is very little money on offer, and then you must get at least to the to the semi-finals. As a result, many clubs see the competition as a hindrance and want to be out of it as quick as you can. However, it can be used to give fringe players and youth an opportunity to stake a claim for the first team. We know only too well that our fringe players are playing due to our injury list, so our squad will be the fit and able plus a couple of kids from the academy.
Hold on though. This is not just any Integro Cup match. We have been pitted with Chasetown from Division 1, and a fair few of their squad plus the management team, have recent experience of wearing the black and white stripes of the Rangers. The loose term of Rangers v Rangers reserves will no doubt stir the ex-players as they attempt to do one over on their previous club. This puts a different complexion on the fixture and should make for an interesting game.
Chasetown currently lie 15th in the South Eastern Division, of which Sutton Coldfield still lie bottom. They have picked more points on the road than at home, although their away league form is won 2 and lost 2. Their 2 wins were a 4-2 win at Newcastle Town where Jack Langstone got a hat trick and a 3-0 win at Frickley with George Cater getting on the score sheet.
Tuesday night will be a strange encounter as both teams may put out weakened squads, but then again you have the local rivalry angle plus the old boy’s influence. So, if you want to see the outcome, please come on down on Tuesday to witness the event. Remember also that this will be our first home game sine 8th October ending our run of 7 away fixtures. As you may have forgotten how to get to the ground, please use sat nav of ST16 3UF.
Games played November 12th this century
2005 Hinkley H 2-3 Conference North
2011 Burscough A 3-2 Northern Premier League
2013 Romulus A 2-2 Doodson League Cup. We won 4-3 on penalties
2016 Hednesford A 1-1 FA Trophy. We won the replay 2-1
