Source: Northern_Echo
Cooper’s cup magic hope
MARK Cooper is hoping his good record in the FA Cup will continue when Darlington play York City in the second round at The Northern Echo Arena today.[LNB] Throughout his managerial career, Cooper has guided lower league teams into the third and fourth rounds of the competition.[LNB] In consecutive years, Cooper guided Conference side Tamworth to the third round, before leading Kettering to a fourth round tie with Premier League side Fulham.[LNB] And now he has the chance to repeat that with Quakers but with today's opponents hitting good form, Cooper knows his side will have to be at their best.[LNB] Earlier in the season, the sides drew 0-0 at Bootham Crescent and after a difficult start and a change of manager, the Minstermen appear to have recaptured the form that got them to the play-off final last May.[LNB] Quakers boss admits he does not know what it is that makes him so successful in the competition, but hopes his side can display the same desire they showed to knock League One side Bristol Rovers out in the last round.[LNB] Maybe it's just about playing the right team at the right time and getting a bit of luck along the way, he said.[LNB] I couldn't tell you what it is, but fingers crossed it continues on Saturday and we manage to get into the third round on Sunday because that's the aim.[LNB] The players won't need any motivation. If they can perform as well as they did against Bristol Rovers they'll have a really good chance.[LNB] But we're under no illusions how tough the game is going to be. York have got some really good players, they got to the play-off final last season.[LNB] They had a bit of a hangover at the start of the season but they've really got it together now and have a squad full of really experienced Conference players and come the end of the season they'll be there or thereabouts.[LNB] We know it's going to be a really tough game. It's a local derby, there'll be a good crowd there. York will bring a really big, vociferous following and really get behind them, and if our fans get behind the lads like they have in the last few games it should be a cracking atmosphere.[LNB] The team that wants to win the most and is prepared to put their bodies on the line will prevail on Saturday.[LNB] We'll have to defend at times and we'll attack at times but the team that is prepared to die for the cause will prevail.[LNB] Despite slight concerns over Michael Brough and Gareth Waite, both are available, as is Aaron Brown, who returns from his one-match suspension.[LNB] Preparations have been hampered by the snow but Cooper insists it shouldn't affect his side's performance and admits he has some decisions to make over his team selection.[LNB] It's not ideal for training but we can't do anything about it, we've just got to get on with it,'' he said.[LNB] I'm sure the groundsman knows what he's doing and we'll have the pitch covered and make sure the game goes ahead.[LNB] We have a fully fit squad so there'll be some tough decisions to make, but they're good decisions to have.[LNB] We have one or two that are knocking on the door and that's the way it's got to be. If you're going to have a successful team you need a squad of players that are in it together and all playing well.[LNB] Craig Liddle has organised a bucket collection at today's game to help fund their FA Youth Cup trip to London.[LNB] Darlington's Under-18s are due to play Arsenal next Wednesday in the third round of the FA Youth Cup at Barnet's Underhill Stadium.[LNB] And Liddle is asking Darlington fans to help him fund a first team experience for his youngsters, who have beaten York, Mossley, Accrington Stanley and Huddersfield to reach the third round proper.[LNB] Hatch keen on Quakers stay LIAM Hatch has admitted he would love to stay at Darlington in January.[LNB] But the striker-turneddefender faces an uncertain few months as his loan spell with the Quakers edges closer to its expiry date.[LNB] Hatch is due to go back to Peterborough in the New Year, when Posh will undoubtedly be looking to offload the 28-year-old.[LNB] In an interview with Darlington's match programme, Quakers, Hatch says: I've not spoken to anyone at Peterborough.[LNB] I've just got to wait and see what happens.[LNB] The point of me coming out on loan was to do as well as I could. I've moved to another position on the field, but I just want to do as well as I can to promote myself for the January transfer window and if I do well then that will hopefully only help Darlington.[LNB] If Darlington are interested and the clubs can sort a deal, I'd love to stay. I'm enjoying the football here, it's a great bunch of lads, I'm enjoying my time in the club cottage.[LNB] Quakers is on sale in and around the Arena as well as from the club shop and ticket offices before and after the match, priced £2.50.[LNB]
