We all know that neither Holmesdale or Midhurst are going to win The FA Cup or will likely progress more than a couple of rounds but that doesn’t stop us all from being excited just to be part of this wonderful competition, says Andy Constable

HOLMESDALE joint-manager Andy Constable says he is feeling excited to just be part of the wonderful competition that is The FA Cup which gets underway this weekend.

 

The Dalers kicked-off their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign by beating newly-promoted side Lydd Town

3-0 last weekend and are sitting in third-place in the table after one match.

Three first second half goals ensured the Bromley-based outfit inflicted their hosts, jointly-managed by James Rogers and Tom Wynter, ended in defeat.

“Lydd is always a hard place to go,” admitted Constable.

“Even if the team are not firing on all cylinders, the weather down there can be challenging, especially when you’re not used to it.  The local weather did not disappoint, it was gale force winds going from one end to the other, the grass was long and the pitch bobbly.

“When you looked at their team sheet prior to kick-off we knew it was going to be an extremely hard afternoon.

“Defending the wind first half, the boys put in an unbelievable performance and managed to go into the break at 0-0.

“We knew that with the wind on our backs we would create some chances, the only question was whether we could convert.

“At the same time being aware of their goal threat, particularly from set-pieces. 

“Once Sam Bayford had put us one up with a great volley from just inside the area, there was only ever likely to be one winner.

“Richard Jimoh followed up with a really good run and finish from outside the area a few minutes later and Tom Osei put the icing on the cake with a great little finish after being put through.

“One swallow doesn’t make a summer but it was a good start and confidence builder.  It’s always a relief to get that first win so that particular monkey is now off our backs.”

Constable and Tony Beckingham’s men welcome Southern Combination League Premier Division side Midhurst & Easebourne to Oakley Road tomorrow to contest a FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie.

They sit in fourth-place in the pecking order having opened their league campaign with a 2-2 draw at home to Lingfield and coming away from Shoreham with a 2-0 midweek victory on the road.

“We all know that neither ourselves or Midhurst are going to win The FA Cup or will likely progress more than a couple of rounds but that doesn’t stop us all from being excited just to be part of this wonderful competition,” said FA Cup qualifying rounds veteran Constable.

“Every time I sit and watch the Final in May or June, I always think to myself, we kicked this competition off back in August and none of these superstars have a clue about that.

“I never understand how they don’t really care too much about the competition any more, yet for us at this level it is still magical.

“Both teams will be doing their level best to win this game and all I would say is that I hope it’s a good entertaining game of football and may the best team win.

“We most certainly do not want a midweek replay and I mean that with no malice intended.

“All we know about Midhurst is where they play, what league they play in, where they finished last season and that their results.

“I’m not sure if they are more informed about us but it counts for little as once the referee blows his whistle, it’ll be about what happens on the pitch.

“What I do know for certain is that they will be just as keen to win the game as we are and I’m expecting a really tough battle, which could go either way.”

The winners will travel to Isthmian League South East Division side Sheppey United in the Preliminary Round on Saturday 19 August.

Holmesdale  v  Midhurst & Easebourne
The Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Saturday 5 August 2023
Kick Off 3:00pm
at 68 Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HG