Guisborough keeper Jordan Nixon could be set for a unique hat trick when they face Farsley Celtic in the first qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup at the King George this afternoon.

The former Darlington keeper has scored twice already this season when he has gone up front to support his attack for last minute setpieces. Two rounds ago in the Cup, he scored against Newton Aycliffe to force a replay that they won three days later, and then in midweek he did the same against Hebburn to earn a point, and also stretch his team’s unbeaten run to six matches.

“I think I’ve got a striker’s instinct!” he joked.

“I scored the first goal with my right foot, the second with my left, so maybe I’ll score the next one with my head! The first goal was from a setpiece that was nodded on for me and I volleyed in with my right foot from six yards, and on Wednesday the ball dropped for me around the penalty spot and I volleyed in with my left foot. So I’m aiming to score the next one with my head for a perfect hat trick. The lads have said that if we’re ever 3-0 up in a game, then they’ll let me take a penalty.

“As a keeper, I’m always wanting to go up the other end, so I always look across to the bench for the go-ahead – but next time I’m just going straight up without checking.

“It’s quite bizarre what’s happened so far, and all the coverage the two goals have got. It would be amazing if I scored another today.

“But we know that this will be a big test for us. They’re two leagues higher than us, but we go into the game with plenty of confidence, especially with the run we’ve had. The pressure is on Farsley coming up here.”

Victory today is worth quite a bit of money to Guisborough, with £6,000 in prize money at stake.

There are three more ties involving Northern League clubs taking on Evostik League clubs.

Dunston UTS take on North Ferriby, Newcastle Benfield face Workington, and Whitley Bay host Whitby.

Consett, who are unbeaten this season, go to Congleton from the North West Counties League.

South Shields are at home to Garforth from the Northern Counties East League.