Duncan Bray (left) says the West Riding County Cup is not a priority for him and Nick Handley (right) at Pontefract Collieries
Duncan Bray admits that winning the West Riding County Cup is not a “priority” for promotion-chasing Pontefract Collieries.
Pontefract will make at least four changes for the second round tie at Thackley tomorrow and one new signing will be on show.
Pontefract have never won the competition, although they were just minutes away from lifting the trophy in 1991 until former Ponte manager Jim Mackay’s Bradford (Park Avenue) staged a comeback to win in extra-time.
But Bray, who shares the manager’s job with Nick Handley, admits that Collieries’ main aim is winning promotion.
He told Non League Yorkshire: “I guess it is a chance to get back to winning ways straightaway so we’re not sulking all week.
“We have a couple of new faces to come in and it’s a chance to keep everyone hungry and fit.
“It is not a priority, but it is certainly a game that we would like to see if we can come back with a win.
“I’ve won a few cup doubles, but if you were offering me to win the cup and finish fourth, I wouldn’t be happy.
“I would rather I would finish in the top two and go out of the cup on Tuesday.”
Former striker Bray was the hero for Goole in the 2007 final at Woodlesford when they surprised giants Guiseley to win 3-1.
Goole were managed by Nigel Danby that year. Danby now plays for Bray at Pontefract.
Guiseley took the lead early on before Goole deadly strike duo Bray and Andy Parton guided them to glory.
Bray said: “It was good because I think they turned up automatically thinking they would win.
“After ten minutes it looked like they were going to stream-roll, but we managed to turn it around and I was lucky to get a couple of goals.
“It was brilliant. I think it was more the fact we were massive underdogs.
“They are happy memories, but it certainly can’t be a priority for a club like Pontefract.”
If Pontefract do reach Valley Parade in May, Bray does not intend on paying to be there this time.
Bray and his Goole team-mates technically had to pay an admission fee to play in the 2007 final after being refused entry by County officials.
“I think what happened was that the club got 20 complimentary tickets which were meant for the players to hand in at the gate,” he added.
“I think what the chairman had done was hand them out to all his friends and family so we got there as players and none of us were allowed into the ground.
“Basically the FA stood firm and said none of you are coming in until we paid to get in.
“We were actually fortunate to get in the ground that day.”