Hartlepool Lion Hillcarter FC v Allerton FC
To be played at Hartlepool United FC
FA Sunday Cup, in partnership with Carlsberg, Semi-Finals
Sunday, March 16, 3pm

There could be no greater incentive for Liverpool's Allerton FC to get through the semi-finals of The FA Sunday Cup, in partnership with Carlsberg, than the chance to play at Anfield.

To reach the final of the country's flagship cup competition for Sunday league clubs at Liverpool FC would be a dream come true.

First, they must overcome former winners Hartlepool Lion Hillcarter FC in the semi-final at Hartlepool United FC on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

Having beaten title-holders Britannia FC in a Liverpool & District Sunday league game last weekend, Allerton are brimming with confidence.

Manager Paul Cross said: "Confidence could not be any higher.

"Not only did we beat Britannia 3-2, but the Sunday before we beat our league leaders Sandon 2-0 which were both great results."

Allerton have never reached the final of The FA Sunday Cup before. They entered the competition for the first time in 1993 and reached the semi-finals the following season.

Cross started playing for Allerton when he was 17 and went on to play for non-league sides including Witton Albion and Northwich Victoria before eventually returning to his local club

He started this season as player-manager, but the 38-year-old centre-midfielder has struggled to keep his place in the side.

Cross said: "We have been trying to get to this stage for so long that you sometimes have to pinch yourself to believe that you are finally here.

"I think we have done so well this season because we have got a good mixture of young players who have always had the talent but have got a bit of belief as well."

Allerton entered this season's competition at the Second Round and have been at home for every tie.

In the Second Round, they beat Norcoast 5-1 and went on to record a 3-1 victory over Orchard Park in the Third Round.

They enjoyed a convincing 4-0 win over Jolly Farmers in the Fourth Round, but had a tougher tie against local rivals A3 (Canada) in the quarter-finals when they were taken to penalties, winning 2-0.

Hartlepool Lion Hillcarter, who play in the Hartlepool Sunday League, have had their fair share of nail-biting penalties.

They won The FA Sunday Cup in 2001 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at Aston Villa FC, which made up for the disappointment of finishing runners-up in 1994 in their previous guise of Hartlepool Lion Hotel FC.

However, their defence of the title last season ended at the quarter-finals when they lost on penalties to Albion Sports FC.

Cross said: "I know Hartlepool Lion Hillcarter are a good side and have a good tradition in the competition. On our day, I fancy my team against anybody."

The other semi-final will be between competition newcomers Travellers FC, from Birmingham's Festival League, and Northampton Sunday Alliance side Duke of York FC, ensuring a north versus south final.

The winning clubs will each be awarded £400 in prize money and will go through to the final at Liverpool FC to be played on Sunday, April 27

SUNDAY 16 MARCH

FA Sunday Cup - Semi-Finals
Winning clubs each receive £400 in prize money and losing clubs each receive £150 in prize money

Hartlepool Lion Hillcarter v Allerton
(At Hartlepool United FC, kick-off 3pm)

Travellers v Duke of York
(At Solihull Borough FC, kick-off 3pm)