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Dave Dempsey | FA Cup Pre-Match

Dave Dempsey | FA Cup Pre-Match

Callum Chadwick5 Aug 2022 - 15:00
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The boss looks ahead to Widnes' extra preliminary round tie at Winsford United

Dave Dempsey is eager to get going as Widnes' competitive season gets underway in the Emirates FA Cup tomorrow afternoon.

The Whites are away at Winsford United in the extra preliminary round with the winners due to travel to Hallam or Bury in the preliminary round later this month.

18 places separated the two clubs in the pyramid last season and while Widnes will travel to the Barton Stadium as favourites, Dempsey insists that the tie won't be easy for his side.

And the boss knows all too well about crashing out at this stage of the competition to a lower-ranked side as he was on Widnes' coaching staff two years ago when the Whites were dumped out by Longridge Town.

"It's the FA Cup. Anybody can beat anybody," Dempsey said.

"I know Winsford have got a lot of threats. We certainly won't be going there thinking we're the clear favourites because that never stands anyone in good stead.

"Winsford are a good side. They'll have their own game plan and it'll be up to us to eradicate that.

"It'll be a very close game and it's one we're all looking forward to.

Dempsey is in optimistic mood after giving a positive overall assessment of Widnes' pre-season preparations after the defeat to Lancaster City last week, but the Whites manager is champing at the bit to get back into competitive action.

"You can play all the friendlies you want but you can't replace competitive football," Dempsey said.

"I've been a player myself. You're just not in the same mindset as you are for a competitive game.

"The lads have had a really serious pre-season. We asked a lot of them and we were training some long hours and late nights to get minutes in the tank.

"Training's been sharp and I've been really impressed with the performances particularly at the tail end so I can't wait to get going."

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