Brantham Athletic have a chance to make history tomorrow, by advancing further in the FA Cup than ever before, although higher-level ranked club Spalding United stand in their way.
Michael Brothers, Brantham’s joint manager alongside Matt Carmichael, admits than even he is feeling “nervous” in the build-up to the big day.
Having thrashed Wivenhoe Town 5-0 away, and then beaten Welwyn Garden City 1-0 at home two weeks ago, in the previous two rounds, Brantham now play host to Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Eastern Division side Spalding at Brantham Leisure Centre tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).
“There’s a real buzz about the place,” enthused Brothers.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have had some good experiences in the FA Cup over the years, with Leiston and Needham Market, and I will be hoping to pass on that experience and advise to the players throughout the day.
“There will be a few nerves, that’s for sure. I’m feeling nervous, but then I always am before a game. That’s usually a good thing.
“The club has reached this stage before, but if we win this weekend then we have a chance to rewrite a little history because the club has never gone any further than this,” added Brothers.
Brantham are going great guns this season. In addition to their Cup run, and beating Stansted 3-1 in the FA Vase last weekend, the Suffolk side are unbeaten in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, with two wins and a draw from their first three games.
By contrast, Spalding have yet to win in their league (Step 4, as opposed to Brantham’s Step 5), with three draws and a defeat from their first four fixtures.
The Tulips also needed two late goals to see off Wellingborough Town 3-2 at home in their one outing in the FA Cup so far.
“I make it that we are unbeaten in 16 games, if you take our good end to last season into account,” continued Brothers.
“We’ve carried on where we left off last season, and we’d love to win this weekend for the club as a whole, and for the people who work so hard.
“The FA Cup gives you that extra bite. Spalding are a level about us, but this is a one-off game. It’s what matters on the day that counts,” added Brothers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here