By Martin Morgan

Published at 11:11, Thursday, 09 August 2012

ROOKIE boss Stuart Green reckons the pre-match jitters he had as a player will still be there when he launches his managerial career with an FA Cup clash against Northern League Division One visitors Shildon on Saturday (3pm).

Raring to go: New Amateurs coach Stuart Green

The ex-Carlisle United and Workington Reds midfielder, who began his pro career with Newcastle United, reckons Whitehaven Amateurs’ pre-season matches have stood them in good stead.

“Our friendlies were quite competitive and prepared us for this game,” said Green, who once played in a televised FA Cup fourth round tie for Hull City against Aston Villa. “We’ve had some tough tests and handled them very well.

“It’s not very often you get the opportunity to play in probably one of the best club tournaments in the world. I’ve said to the lads there’s a massive opportunity to progress and play some of the bigger teams.

“With the history behind it, it’s a massive competition, especially for the younger ones in the group.

“The butterflies will still be there on Friday night and Saturday morning, and the boys can’t wait to get started. They are working hard and raring to go.”

Shildon could go in to the preliminary round tie as slight favourites, as they play in the division above Amateurs. But spokesman Bill Robson has been impressed with Green’s input.

“We have a new manager with everything that goes with it,” Robson said. “The lads are stepping up to the mark, and competition for places is quite fierce at the moment.”

CLEATOR Moor Celtic have had a mixed start to their Wearside League campaign.

First up on Saturday were Sunderland West End away, and Celtic began promisingly with the new strikeforce of Leigh Dunn and Scott Redhead linking up well.

Chances were squandered at both ends and Dunn had an effort ruled out for handball. And it was the hosts who took the lead after 36 minutes when Richie Jordan found the net.

Two more followed in the second half as Sunderland recorded a 3-0 win.

Manager Matt Henney made six changes for the visit of Easington Colliery only two days later, and they paid off with an impressive 5-2 win for the Cumbrians.

Dan Gullen, Craig Padley, Glyn Edwards and Leigh Dunn (twice) found the net to help Celtic bag their first win of the season.

Next up was Seaton Carew yesterday (Wednesday), followed by Easington Colliery at home in the cup on Saturday (2pm) and Ashbrooke away on August 15.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk