Walshaw stakes claim for cup spot (From Wharfedale Observer)

Walshaw strikes claim to spearhead Guiseley's bid for FA Cup glory

7:00am Thursday 1st November 2012 in Sport By Alan Birkinshaw, Weeklies Sports Editor

ot-shot James Walshaw has staked his claim to spearhead Guiseley’s bid to reach the second round of the FA Cup for the first time.

He scored twice after appearing as a second-half substitute in Tuesday night’s 3-1 Blue Square Bet North win at Altrincham.

Now he will be hoping that he has done enough to be in the starting line-up against Barrow at Nether- moor on Saturday.

Manager Steve Kittrick had Walshaw and England C striker Josh Wilson on the bench at Altrincham.

He admitted afterwards: “James Walshaw came on and scored two goals and said ‘come and pick me’. I don’t expect lads of James and Josh’s quality to be happy being on bench all time, but we have a good squad now and I might mix it up on Saturday.”

Kevin Holsgrove and Nicky Boshell started on Tuesday but it is an enviable position for Kittrick to have such striking riches. at his disposal.

Guiseley, who have reached the first round six times, have never gone any further in the FA Cup.

If they win on Saturday against a Barrow team they defeated away in the FA Trophy last season, they will pocket a further £18,500 in prize money which will push their cup earnings to around £40,000.

Kittrick has spoken recently about his desire to have a lucrative FA Cup run.

If Guiseley can defeat Barrow  then they would be hoping for an attractive tie in the second round.

With the right opponents - such as Sheffield United or Bradford City – they could possibly attract TV interest too.

Guiseley and their fans will certainly consider this to be a good chance to make the second round after losing to Chester, Carlisle, Forest Green, Luton Town and Crawley Town in their previous first round appearances.

“They will have looked at the draw, much as we have and consider it to be winnable,” said Kittrick.

Barrow are currently in the lower reaches of the Blue Square Bet Premier but they do have a cup pedigree and will want to avenge the 2010 Trophy defeat which ended their hopes of defending the trophy.

Left back Andy McWilliams will be hoping he can shrug off an ankle injury in time to play.

He took a knock in the 2-1 win over Vauxhall Motors last Saturday and was keen to face Altrincham, but Kittrick would not take the risk.

“He told us he was ok,” said Kittrick, “but when our physio strarted to work on the injury he was screaming like a baby.

“With a 20-man squad there is no need to take risks. If somebody has an injury we have options and we can change things around.

“It is important we keep people fresh and on their toes, that is the benefit of having a squad like ours. There is a lot of football still to be played.”
Guiseley face another cup tie next weekend.

They have been draw at home to EvoStik Premier Division side Whitby Town in the first round of the FA Trophy.

The match will be played at Nethermoor on Saturday, November 10 with a 3pm kick off.