FA Cup Upon Us

Last updated : 24 October 2005 By Stray Shots Team
Speaking to the Aldershot News, Shots boss Terry Brown told the paper that he is desperate to re-pay the loyal red and blue army of supporters, who continually get behind the side despite the team's patchy start to the campaign.

Although the bank manager has to be the first man to please with so much at stake this weekend, Brown insists it's those core of supporters who deserve to be rewarded with a lengthy cup run and a subsequent glamour tie.

He said: "It's the most important game of the year without a doubt, and that's not a cliché.
"We've been hanging on in there in the league, where our form is very poor, and we need to lift those supporters.

"Had we'd have done better in the league we'd have probably brought double the amount to Dean Court, but you can hear the amount of enthusiasm there is for the boys from the fans.

"We would like to win for them as well as the bank manager."

One thing's for sure, Brown is taking no chances against the in-form Ryman premier division side, who have enjoyed seven wins and three draws from their last ten matches.

Billy Smith and George Wakeling's side beat Southern League high-fliers Mangotsfield United away in the last round to get here and are certainly gunning for the Shots in a bid the make the first round proper of the FA Cup for only the second time in 28 years.

The man to watch undoubtedly is former Crawley, St Albans and Carshalton striker Nic McDonnell, who has already hit the back of the net nine times this season.

Brown added: "It's a totally different game for us. Bournemouth on Tuesday night may be a fantastic passing side, but they also allow you to pass the ball. I have assured our lads that Bromley on Saturday won't give them an inch.

"It'll be a battle and a scrap and we'll have to stand up for ourselves."

Brown is hoping to have a fully-fit squad to chose from despite two slight injury concerns at Dean Court on Tuesday night.

Tim Sills was taken off at half time after complaining of hamstring and back pulls, but that was just a pre-caution and he should make the starting line-up.

The same applies to Gary Holloway, who was hauled off late on after a busy couple of weeks back from injury.

Brown must now decide whether to stick with a Sills/Omari Coleman combination up front or include Nick Crittenden in a more central role given his lively display as a substitute on Tuesday night.

Whatever happens, according to coach Martin Kuhl, the Shots must be ready for a battle.

"It's the FA Cup, the old-fashioned blood, sweat and guts will all be there," he said.

"Bromley have played three good rounds so far, they've got us which is like a cup final for them, and they'll give us a real good go.

"We've just got to match up and got on with our own job. It's a fantastic competition, we're going there to win it and get as far as we can."

With thanks to the Aldershot News.