Julio Arca produces masterclass for South Shields after winning fitness battle for York game

Julio Arca won his race for fitness and then the midfield battle too as he produced a masterclass against York City on Saturday.
Julio Arca scores South Shields' second goal on Saturday. Image by Peter Talbot.Julio Arca scores South Shields' second goal on Saturday. Image by Peter Talbot.
Julio Arca scores South Shields' second goal on Saturday. Image by Peter Talbot.

South Shields’ captain had been a real doubt for the FA Cup tie with a leg injury suffered in the previous round at Darlington a fortnight earlier.

Arca went on to score and put in a superb performance at Mariners Park, and afterwards told of just how close he had been to missing out.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “I got a bad kick against Darlington and my leg was quite swollen, which is why I wasn’t involved much the week before.

“In the week of the game, I trained light, looking after the leg.

“It wasn’t the training sessions I wanted. Normally I try to train as hard as I can to get my fitness back.

“I felt a little bit tired at the end, but that’s normal when you haven’t done much for a couple of weeks.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Arca – who reached the semi-final of the FA Cup with Sunderland in 2004 – was thrilled with Shields’ achievement.

He added: “It was a fantastic game for everyone.

“It’s the first time the club has gone so far in the competition.

“We are achieving good things for the club, and whatever happens in the next round, happens.

“We’ll see who we get, but another home draw would be fantastic for us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We know what we’re capable of doing and I’m sure the lads will be prepared in the right way for that game, like we do for every game.

“We’re looking forward to seeing who we get today, and then we’ll carry on.”