Durham given FA Cup ground boost

Durham City have been given permission to stage their FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie with Histon on Saturday at the Hetton Centre in Eppleton.

City played the last round at Hetton but were previously told the staff could not prepare the pitch in time.

Durham's own Arnott Stadium is ineligible for FA Cup ties as it has an outlawed synthetic surface.

The kick-off has also been moved to 1600 BST to allow fans to watch the earlier Newcastle v Sunderland game.

Opponents Histon are fourth in the Blue Square Premier, 71 places above Durham in the football pyramid.

However the Citizens shocked Stalybridge Celtic 6-1 in the previous round and confidence is high among the players.

This is a massive day for Durham City AFC

Vice chairman Gerard O'Connor

"The lads just can't wait for Saturday, we know it's going to be tough but we think we can get a result," said striker Jon Toft.

"It's time Durham City was on the footballing map and with a good cup run, we can do just that."

Durham City last reached the first round of the FA Cup in 1958, and vice chairman Gerard O'Connor is keen to take advantage of the later kick-off to bolster their support at the game.

"We're obviously aware that the big derby game will be attracting a lot of attention but this is a massive day for Durham City AFC.

"I hope that people will come along and cheer us into the FA Cup first round.

"This club is really going places both on and off the field and we are really keen that the people of Durham share this journey with us, starting this weekend."