Cheadle Town: 'We can cause cup shock' claims confident Austin

CHEADLE Town head coach Steve Austin claims his side must be on top of their game if they are to create a cup shock against Newcastle Town on Saturday.

Newcastle will travel to Allen Street full of confidence after hitting the Premier Division summit in the Staffs County Senior League.

But Austin believes his young side have the talent to topple the league leaders – and make the semi-finals of the Leek Cup.

"There a top side and it will be a tough challenge, but it's one we're looking forward to," said Austin.

Last time out Town suffered a narrow 3-2 League Cup loss at the hands of local rivals Ball Haye Green, who also ply their trade in the top flight. And Austin believes Cheadle must learn from that match if his side are to gain a positive result against Newcastle.

The head coach, pictured right, said: "We let in two early goals against Green, which was very disappointing, and we cannot afford to do it again.

"We need to keep full concentration in the early stages against Newcastle. The first 20 minutes of play could turn out to be vital."

Cheadle's defeat against Ball Haye was their first match in six weeks. And Austin believes that was a factor in Cheadle's cup exit.

He said: "I think one reason for the early goals going in last week was because of the lack of match practice the players have had.

"After playing that game and getting back into the training routine, I believe we will come out of the blocks a lot stronger on Saturday."

The injured Guy Martin will be unavailable this weekend, but team skipper Mark Kent has declared himself fit for the Leek Cup quarter-final.

Austin said: "The return of the captain is brilliant for the confidence of the side and he is an important player for us."

Cheadle are also in the quarter-finals of the President's Trophy and face Redgate Clayton next week.

If Austin's side come through that match, they will then meet Hanley Town in the semis.

The head coach added: "Its good to still be in the two competitions and we will be doing our best to get as far as we can in both of them." However, the league – and promotion from Division One – remains the priority for the Cheadle outfit.

Austin said: "Were in a great position in the league and have a real chance of getting into the Premier Division.

"The bad weather over the Christmas period came at the wrong time for us and now its our job to bring back the momentum we had before then.

"Our facilities should be at the correct standard for us to be granted promotion. So all we have to do is concentrate on matters on the pitch."