Underdogs can flip it on its head and beat the big boys in The FA Cup, says Croydon boss Craig Davies

CROYDON manager Craig Davies says he’s relishing the underdog tag for their FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie against league rivals Tunbridge Wells tomorrow.

The Trams have lost their opening two league games of the season, going down to a 2-1 home defeat to Lordswood, followed by a 2-1 defeat to Fisher in midweek and are fourth-from-bottom in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table.

“Our last two fixtures have been pleasing despite the results,” said Davies.

“We controlled and dominated both games against Lordswood and Fisher.

“Lordswood used their experienced and know how to manage the game, something which our boys need to do.

“Fisher was different.  We dominated for 50-55 minutes, unfortunately losing a man two minutes before half-time when 1-0 in front really stopped our momentum but there are still positives to be taken from both games.”

Croydon have home advantage on Jason Bourne’s Tunbridge Wells side in the Extra Preliminary Round of The FA Cup.

The Wells travel to Croydon Sports Arena sitting second from bottom in the table after losing to Glebe 3-1 in Chislehurst on the opening day and losing 2-1 at home to Corinthian on Tuesday night.

“Everything goes out of the window results wise tomorrow,” said Davies.

“Croydon and Tunbridge Wells have lost our opening two but it’s about what happens on the day in The FA Cup.

“I’m expecting a similar game to our league games in terms of it being a physical game and a direct approach from Tunbridge Wells.

“We have said to the boys even if it’s the qualifying rounds or the final, if you’re not up for an FA Cup tie then there is no love of football there.  It’s brilliant.  Underdogs can flip it on its head and beat the big boys, it’s always full of surprises and I can’t wait!”

Croydon  v  Tunbridge Wells
The Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Saturday 11 August 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, London SE25 4QL