Bridlington Town set sights on historic FA Trophy win against Curzon Ashton
Bridlington Town are calling on the Yorkshire Coast to get behind the Seasiders as they prepare to host Curzon Ashton in the Isuzu FA Trophy first round proper at Queensgate Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
The Seasiders are the lowest-ranked remaining team from Yorkshire and the North East in the competition.
The fixture also marks Bridlington’s first appearance at this stage of the FA Trophy in 22 years, after they overcame higher-division Whitby Town in qualifying.
Brid CEO Steve Brennan said: “We welcome Curzon Ashton to Queensgate in the FA Trophy, with a chance to create history. It's an incredibly tough game against opposition from a higher level, but should we prevail, it’d match the 2004/05 run and see us go as far in the Trophy as we've ever been before.
“These are the occasions we all want to be involved in. Let's get a big crowd down, make some noise and give the lads every bit of encouragement we can. Who knows what might happen?”
The Seasiders' Trophy campaign has already delivered its fair share of drama.
It began with a Friday night trip to Garforth on August 28, where Brid came through a penalty shoot-out to book a place in the next round.
Ben Tweed gave Brid the perfect start, curling a free-kick into the top corner after just four minutes. Garforth levelled after the break, but Ahmed Salam restored the visitors' advantage from the penalty spot shortly after the hour mark.
The hosts refused to give in, however, and a late equaliser sent the tie to a shoot-out. With the scores level at 2-2 after 90 minutes, Brid held their nerve to win 5-4 on penalties, Tom Allan converting the decisive kick to send the Seasiders through.
Next was Congleton at Queensgate on September 12, with a place in the Third Qualifying Round at stake.
Salam opened the scoring shortly before half-time and struck again after the break to put Brid in control. He then completed his hat-trick from the spot after Tweed was brought down, giving the Seasiders a two-goal cushion. Congleton pulled another goal back late on, but Brid held on to secure a 3-2 victory.
The reward was a Yorkshire Coast clash against Whitby on September 26. Facing opposition from the level above, Brid produced an impressive performance to secure their place in the next round.
Luca Bolino opened the scoring before Tom Allan struck twice after the interval, sealing a commanding 3-0 victory to reach the first round for the first time in 22 years.
Now, Curzon Ashton stand between Brid and another step forward in the competition.
Buy Brid Town v Curzon Ashton tickets: https://bridtownafc.ktckts.com/event/brdsea2627fat1p/curzon-ashton