Whitley boss hoping experience will tell at Shildon.
Shildon v Whitley Bay
The FA Carlsberg Vase
Sixth Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 27 February
Dean Street, Shildon FC
Winning clubs receive £5000 from The FA's prize fund
Click here for fixtures
Experience in The FA Vase could prove the difference between the two sides, according to Whitley Bay manager Ian Chandler.
Chandler has a long history in this competition. Back in 2002 he scored an extra-time winner for Whitley against Tiptree United in The Final at Villa Park. Last season, he guided his side to success in The Vase making him the only person to win the competition as both a player and a manager.
"We've been through the highs and the lows, and, more importantly, the pressure," said Chandler. "We know what to expect and we can use that.
"Shildon don't have the same experience we have. We can use that to our advantage. Me and my assistant (Steve Cuggy) have been in the position the players are in now. We know what they are going through and hopefully we can guide them again to The Final."
Both sides ply their trade in the Northern League Division One. Whitley currently sit second, while Shildon are in seventh place, 11 points behind their opponents on Saturday.
The hosts, who have not played a home game in The Vase since 2004, currently hold bragging rights over Whitley after their 3-1 win in January. Although Chandler was unhappy with the defeat, he is not pondering too much on that result.
"We didn't perform," he said. "We had a few injured players coming back and one of our most effective players, Leon Ryan, was out. Saturday's game will be different."
Chandler insists his side are better than they were last season, which will prepare them for the physical battle they will inevitably face at Shildon.
"We have come on since our success last season. We are stronger in areas that we weren't before, particularly defensively," he said.
"We're expecting a tough game, the pitch doesn't suit our style and they will be ready. But I will make sure we are focussed."
