Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott says Glossop North End are going to be difficult to beat
Glossop North End are the “favourites” to win the FA Vase quarter-final replay with Shaw Lane Aquaforce, according to Craig Elliott.
The country’s best attack and defence at step five will meet again at Surrey Street to decide who will play St Austell in the two-legged semi-final.
The sides drew 2-2 in a tense game at Sandy Lane on Sunday and Elliott told Non League Yorkshire: “It is going to be difficult to beat them because they are at home and they have a big fan-base.
“I would imagine that they feel they are favourites so we go there as underdogs with everything to play for.”
“We will definitely be underdogs so we will give it our best shot.
“Glossop are a very committed team. They have lively players in midfield and they’re very committed at the back.
“It is the quarter-finals of the FA Vase, you’re never going to have any easy games. But, there is no doubt that they are a top team.”
Elliott does have a decision to make over whether to return to the playing style that Shaw Lane have used all season.
Regular starter Joe Thornton was substitute as Elliott decided to match Glossop up like-for-like.
Asked whether he would revert back to the old system for the replay, Elliott said: “I’ve got to think about things.
“We left Joe on the bench to come on as a plan b.
“It didn’t quite work, but the positive we take out of Sunday is that we’re still in the hat.
“That’s the main thing and we have another chance.”
Shaw Lane can draw on North Ferriby United for inspiration with their bid to reach Wembley.
Ferriby made it to the FA Trophy final last week and a number of Aquaforce players used to play for Ferriby boss Billy Heath at Frickley.
“A few of the lads and I knew that they won (the semi-final) and it is a massive thing,” Elliott added.
“Congratulations to them, it is a great achievements. One of our old players Jason St Juste even go the winning penalty.
“It is something to aim to replicate, but after Sunday we are a long way off. There is a lot of work to do.”