We have been drawn away to Slough Town in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup on Oct 11 — minutes after being awarded our 5-1 victory over Quorn on Saturday.
During a frantic morning of nail-biting anticipation, Quorn conceded the tie, abandoned eight minutes from time following a serious injury to their goalkeeper Tom Allsopp who we all wish well and thankfully has no lasting damage
As a result of Saturday’s result standing, we were quickly moved by the FA to the southern section of the draw having initially being placed in the northern section which might have necessitated a marathon round trip in arguably the toughest of the two regions.
In the third qualifying round on Saturday, Slough won 2-1 away at Bedfont Sports and whilst we could on paper have got a far easier tie against one of the remaining Step 3 teams or even lower, we could also have ended up facing National League opposition since Step 1 sides now enter the competition.
Earlier this season, we conceded a 97th minute equaliser at Slough to draw 1-1 in the league and both clubs will fancy their chances of progression to the Holy Grail of the first round proper – something we have never achieved.
“In FA Cup terms, it’s been a rollercoaster since Saturday’s game and Step 2 opposition is tough at this stage,” said Gavin Macpherson.
“As we found out recently, it’s very tough to go to Slough and pick up a result. It’s obviously a team we know fairly well and I’ve got the greatest admiration for Scott and his management team. We must prepare properly but it’s a game that I think we have a fighting chance in. We’ll do everything in our power to be in the first round.”
AW