Brantham Athletic go into today’s preliminary round FA Cup clash with Welwyn Garden City in good heart and with a ‘good buzz’ about the club.

So says joint boss Michael Brothers, as the Blue Imps look to build on a decent start to the new campaign.

Welwyn, from the Southern Central League, and a Step 4 club who were promoted last season, will provide Brothers and his side with a big test.

But with almost £3,000 up for grabs, it’s a test Brothers is confident his side is capable of getting through.

“We’ve made a few changes at the club this season and yes, it’s been a good start to the season,” he said.

“Myself and Matt Carmichael both have different approaches to things which works well. There is a good buzz about the club and why not?”

Why not indeed.

Brantham are one of just three Thurlow Nunn Premier Division sides still unbeaten in the league – a league that is already looking as though it will be a tough one to win for someone or other.

A 5-0 thrashing of Wivenhoe in the last round of the FA Cup has set up this afternoon’s tie for Brantham at the Leisure Centre.

Brothers is looking forward to it.

“We did think about going to watch Welwyn, but we decided against it,” Brothers said.

“Firstly, we would only get to watch them once probably and they could change things when they played us. And then again, the FA Cup is a one-off game, anything can happen as people know.

“I like cup games and I think they are a good distraction for teams.

“The money now up for grabs in the FA Cup is so good and makes a huge difference to clubs like us.

“If we win on Saturday we would have pocketed nearly £5,000 from two FA Cup games. That’s crazy, but great for teams at our level.”

Meanwhile, Long Melford are another Suffolk club looking to extend their FA Cup run into another round at least.

After a fine win at Redbridge in the extra preliminary round, they entertain St Margaretsbury at Stoneylands today. The Essex side beat Enfield 2-0 in the last round of the competition.