AFC Sudbury will travel to Haringey Borough in the FA Cup third qualifying round, should they overcome Bognor Regis tomorrow night at King’s Marsh in a second round qualifying replay.
Mark Morsley’s side produced a superb performance at Bostik Premier (Step 3) Bognor on Saturday, drawing 1-1 against a team who are unbeaten in their first seven league games.
However, Morsley is too cute to start planning for the next round as yet.
He knows his team face a huge challenge against Bognor. A big crowd is expected at King’s Marsh in what should be a fascinating encounter for the west Suffolk young squad.
“Haringey Borough away is another really tough game, they have had a steady start to life at Step 3 and thoroughly deserved to get promoted last year when I felt they were the best side in the league,” Morsley said.
“However, I know it’s a cliché, but we are not even thinking about that game as the challenge we have in the replay is huge.
“We know that we have the potential and ability to push Bognor all the way as our second-half performance on Saturday was outstanding, with the width of the crossbar stopping us claiming victory.
“With the new FA Cup rules around suspensions following bookings depriving us of Jordan Blackwell for the replay, who has been a bit of a star following his return to the club, it is an opportunity for another player.
“So I have pulled six players out of any training this week at the Academy as I look at the potential of an exciting young replacement.”
Sudbury’s draw at Bognor was one of the results of the round and Morsley heaped praise on Tyler French, whose early mistake gifted Regis the lead.
“We knew we had to minimise our mistakes and make sure we stayed in the game as long as possible, so Tyler’s misplaced header to gift an early goal wasn’t ideal,” Morsley said.
“But credit must go to the lad as he didn’t let this affect his performance that was excellent.
“Quite honestly, as Bognor ran out of ideas we got better and better creating space and chances, the best being a fine left footed shot from Baris Altintop that crashed against the bar.”
Kick-off tomorrow night is 7.45pm. The winners received £9,000
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