Dunston manager Billy Irwin is hoping that the experience of playing in last season's quarter finals will be a decisive factor when they take on Peterborough Northern Star.

The Tynesiders reached the quarter finals last season, only to be beaten by Whitley Bay in a thrilling tie that saw Whitley go through and finally lift the trophy for the third successive season.

But Irwin feels that his players have benefited from the experience of that day. “Quite a few players are still involved in the club that played in the Whitley game last season and know how to approach the game and how to react in certain situations. It’s all in our own hands, and we must keep playing the way we have been recently. We’ve certainly had some good preparation, because we’ve played Bedlington in two tough league games.

“I’ve watched Peterborough in action, and they’re a decent side, and they play on a good pitch. They have some good players, but we’ve also got a few players that can change a game.

“They don’t have big crowds though. They will probably have more than normal for our game, but we’ll be taking down at least 80 supporters, and they can make a big difference.

“We played in front of 700 at Wisbech two rounds ago, and the fans behind the goal were breathing down our keeper’s neck, but I think it will be different this time.”

Dunston expect to be at full strength, except for striker Micky Chilton, who is cuptied.