None of us are going to win The FA Cup, it’s about creating memories. If we go up there and turn Haringey Borough over what a fantastic memory that would be, says Herne Bay boss Ben Smith

HERNE BAY manager Ben Smith says he wants his side to create their own FA Cup memories on Saturday.

Smith’s side came away from AFC Croydon Athletic with a comfortable 1-0 replay win last night, after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side at Winch’s Field.

Herne Bay suffered back-to-back 3-0 defeats in the league to Whitstable Town and Cray Valley, but Zak Ansah’s sixth goal of the season send them through for a trip to Haringey Borough in The FA Cup First Qualifying Round on Saturday.

Herne Bay were forced to put centre-half Laurence Harvey in goal as goalkeepers Jake Batchelor (injured), Jack Delo (retired) and Rob Budd (cup-tied) were not available at Mayfield Stadium.

Herne Bay are expected to play former Hythe Town goalkeeper George Kamurasi against the second-placed Isthmian League Premier Division side Haringey Borough at the weekend, a side that are a point behind leaders Folkestone Invicta.

“We go there as underdogs. We’ve got players’ they’ll be looking at and thinking these are no mugs,” said Smith.

“If we get the defensive balance right, I’ve said for a long time it’s not going to happen overnight, we’re just not going to stumble on something.

"It’s going to take time to those 20 odd players’ we’ve got in the squad to gel and once we do that we’ll give teams a run for their money.

“But we’ve got to make sure we turn up and perform to the best of our ability.”

“I’m expecting a tough game.  They’re an excellent side, they're second to Folkestone in the league, away from home it doesn’t get much harder, does it really?

“It’s part of The FA Cup, it’s the adventure of The FA Cup.  None of us are going to win The FA Cup, it’s about creating memories.  If we go up there and turn them over what a fantastic memory that would be.

“We’ve just got to go there and make sure we do the club proud.”

Visit Herne Bay’s website:  www.hernebayfootballclub.co.uk

Haringey Borough  v  Herne Bay
The Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Saturday 7 September 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Coles Park, White Hart Lane, Tottenham, London N17 7JP