Debenham relishing plum cup tie

By Mike Bacon

DEBENHAM LC have received a plum draw in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

After their 2-0 win at Holbeach on Saturday, the Ridgeons First Division club will entertain AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, September 29.

The south London club are expected to bring more than 1,000 fans to the Debenham Leisure Centre in a tie that is sure to attract huge interest in Suffolk.

For Debenham chairman Malcolm Roberts, it is a dream draw.

“I'm absolutely delighted and so glad to be at home,” he said.

“We will have a great day and are sure to make plenty of money. We have a meeting on Thursday, but we do nearly all the catering ourselves.

“I have had a call from Wimbledon today to say they are likely to bring more than 1,000 fans, but we can get about 3,000 in at the Leisure Centre, so that's not a problem.

“It will be just lovely for Debenham, the town and all the people. It will be a really big day. And hopefully we will get plenty of people come and see what excellent facilities we have here at the club.”

Debenham's plum draw was achieved after a victory at Holbeach on Saturday that saw Roberts given £100 from the Holbeach chairman and told to buy his Debenham side all a drink. He was that impressed with them.

Saturday week will however be a much sterner test, but should be a terrific day.

Needham Market face a stiff task at Hinckley if they can overcome Grantham tonight, while Mildenhall or Haverhill have a terrific draw at home to Hitchin, whoever should win their replay.

Kirkley will be glad of a home draw, while Heybridge, Bury and Braintree face difficult away games

Other ties involving local sides: Hinckley v Grantham or Needham Market, Horsham v Bury Town, Mildenhall or Haverhill v Hitchin, Hemel v Chelmsford, Croydon or Tonbridge v Maldon, Kirkley v Leighton, Tiptree or Brentwood v Harlow, Hampton v Braintree, Sutton v Harwich or Woodford, Erith v Heybridge.