CHELMSFORD City’s fate in this year’s FA Cup is “in our own hands” according to Manager Glenn Pennyfather, though he will have to lead his charges into their Fourth Qualifying Round Replay with Carshalton Athletic in tonight’s 7:30pm kick-off without skipper David Rainford, who nurses a hamstring injury.

CHELMSFORD City’s fate in this year’s FA Cup is “in our own hands” according to Manager Glenn Pennyfather, though he will have to lead his charges into their Fourth Qualifying Round Replay with Carshalton Athletic in tonight’s 7:30pm kick-off without skipper David Rainford, who nurses a hamstring injury.

City and the Surrey club fought-out a competitive 1-1 draw at the War Memorial Sports Ground at the weekend to generate the rematch and both will be buoyed with Sunday’s news that the winners face a home game in the First Round Proper against either Ryman Premier club Hendon or Division One South outfit Metropolitan Police.

“It’s a big incentive for both teams as it’s a home draw with a potential path through to the Second Round and those opportunities don’t come along too often,” explained the Clarets’ boss, keen to take things one step at a time. “How far we get is in our own hands and I know the supporters will generate a fantastic atmosphere for us at Melbourne.”

Though the initial task of progressing past Athletic could be hampered with the absence of Rainford, who limped off a minute from the end on Saturday and could be missing for several weeks. Glenn added: “It’s a blow as he’s been inspirational and was just peaking in fitness and form. But we’ve just got to get on with it and others will have to step up. We’re hoping Matthew Lock will get the thumbs-up which gives us another option.”

The small matter of �12,500 in prize money awaits the replay winners but Pennyfather knows Carshalton will be just as difficult second time around, claiming: “No two games are the same. We knew what we were going to get on Saturday but sometimes sides can throw in surprises and I think we handled them well. Any team winning regularly can be dangerous and Carshalton are a team with some very good players.”

Chelmsford will again have new signing Ollie Rowe available to them after his signature on Friday morning. Youthful full-back Rowe started his professional career as a scholar for two years at Brighton & Hove Albion from October 2006 and, upon his release, he spent a short time with Sussex County League side Ringmer. He then joined Eastbourne Borough in the Blue Square Bet Premier where he was additionally dual-registered with Eastbourne Town to gain experience, joining Lewes on loan in September.