CHELMSFORD City manager Glenn Pennyfather has warned fellow Essex club Colchester United that non-league outfit Bromley are more than capable of an FA Cup giant killing on Saturday.

Stuart Watson

CHELMSFORD City manager Glenn Pennyfather has warned fellow Essex club Colchester United that non-league outfit Bromley are more than capable of an FA Cup giant killing on Saturday.

Aidy Boothroyd's high-flying League One side are the fourth highest ranked team in the First Round draw, but Pennyfather - whose Chelmsford side play in the Blue Square South alongside Bromley - says there is no reason why the Kent side cannot cause a major upset at Hayes Lane.

He said: “A non-league team would struggle over the course of a season against full-time teams, I have no doubt about that, but in a one-off game I don't think the gap between the levels of ability is that great.

“If Bromley are organised and they do their homework they have got every chance.”

Colchester - who as a Division Four side caused one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history by beating top-flight side Leeds United in 1971 - know as well as anybody the threat posed by non-league sides in knock-out football.

The U's have suffered infamous FA Cup defeats to the likes of Sutton United (93/94), Bedlington Terriers (98/99), Gravesend & Northfleet (95/96) and Yeovil (00/01) at this stage of the competition before.

And Pennyfather - who is yet to mastermind a victory over Bromley in three attempts - says he can see all the hallmarks of a club that are ready to add their name to that list.

“They are very workmanlike and Colchester will find that they have a tricky customer in the form of striker Warren McBean because he is a player that can make something happen.

“They've got nothing to lose and will be really looking forward to it. There will be a big buzz around the place all this week and the adrenaline will be flowing in their players.

“Bromley couldn't be in a better position really. They've drawn a good side and know they will have a good crowd behind them.

“Somewhere in the draw there will be a shock and there's no reason it couldn't happen to Colchester.”

Bromley - who were promoted to step two of the non-league pyramid after winning the Southern (Zamaretto) League play-offs in the 2006/7 season - have a unique ground where, behind one goal, there are a series of fixed benches along the terraces. Crystal Palace reserves also play at the stadium where there is an official maximum capacity of 5,000.

With Colchester having lent a hand printing the tickets for the game, the Kent club have already sold over 2,000 tickets to their home fans, while over 700 U's fans have already snapped up tickets in the away end.

The game will kick off at the earlier time of 1pm following the advisory of Kent police as Southend United also travel to the county on the same day to play Gillingham.

- A Colchester United side travel to Ilford to play in third round of the Essex Senior Cup (7.45pm ko).