I want my side to be remembered in the FA Cup this season, says Norton boss Ben Taylor

Wednesday 25th August 2010

NORTON SPORTS player-manager Ben Taylor says he wants his side to make their first ever season in The FA Cup one to remember, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Herne Bay based side created history two weeks ago when two goals from centre back Lewis Rivett sealed victory in the club’s first ever FA Cup tie - a 2-0 win over Sussex County League side Redhill at Winch’s Field.

And now they lock horns with Banstead Athletic in the preliminary round on Saturday.

The Tadworth based outfit, who compete in the Cherry Red Combined Counties League top-flight, are second-from-bottom in the table, having collected just one point from their opening four league outings.

The Surrey side’s only win came in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, winning 3-1 at lower-league St Francis Rangers.

Taylor, 30, who was speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, says he is pleased with his side’s start to their Safety Net Associates Kent League campaign, sitting in third place with four points from two games.

“To be honest with you mate, I couldn’t ask for much more,” he said. “We had a very good pre-season, going into the league, we drew one at Sevenoaks, a bit disappointed we didn’t get anything else, but we won last week 2-1 at Holmesdale and won in the FA Cup.

“I can’t moan mate, it’s gone really well, considering we had three players out last week. We had Andy Irvine, our new forward who played all pre-season and hasn’t kicked a football since the season started.

“Obviously myself was suspended so the team’s chopped and changed a little bit, but we’re still picking up results.”

All attention turns to Saturday’s FA Cup tie against a Banstead Athletic side that should be sent crashing out.

“Kevin James went to watch them last week and he said if we turn up, he said we’ve got a very good chance of winning,” said Taylor.

“But it’s like any game at the end of the day, you’ve got to turn up. If we turn up and play like we can, I’m pretty confident we can get through this one. I’m very hopeful.”

There is no better feeling than taking part in an FA Cup tie - and Taylor admitted his lively side were even silent in the build-up to their FA Cup debut against Redhill.

“Me personally and the players it’s massive, it really is!” explained former Sittingbourne skipper Taylor.

“I want to be remembered going on a nice FA Cup run, it’s the first year in it in the club’s history, that’s what I keep stressing to the boys, they’re the first team to go out there for Norton.

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we can go on a three or four game run and really hammer it into people. It’s really important to us. We’ll be going into the game with all guns blazing, wanting to win the game, big time!”

With a trip to either Thamesmead Town (Ryman One North) or Beckenham Town (Kent League) up for grabs in the first qualifying round on 11 September, Taylor promised: “We’ll be up for it mate. The only disappointing thing about it is Harry Goodger, who has had an unbelievable start - he’s played three and scored two - but his suspension kick’s in this week.

“But Andy Irvine comes back this week. He’ll be training tonight and we’ll see what condition he is in because he’s had three week out. I’ll see if he starts on Saturday, but I’m more than likely to put him on the bench.”

Taylor wants his side to emulate their performance against Redhill, but hopes the pre-match nerves will keep away.

“To be honest with you, when we played Redhill, the first time I’ve gone into the dressing room and the whole team were quiet as anything, no-one knew what to say! I said ‘what’s up? Are the nerves kicking in now?’

“It’s a weird feeling. It’s the FA Cup. Two years ago we were called Farmyard Boys and now all of a sudden we’re playing in the FA Cup. I know it’s the preliminary rounds but it’s still the FA Cup!

“If we play like we did against Redhill there’s no reason why we can’t go through.”

Visit Norton Sports’ website: www.webteams.co.uk/Home.aspx?team=nortonsportsfc

Norton Sports v Banstead Athletic

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Preliminary Round

Saturday 28th August 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Safety Net Stadium, Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG