As we showed last year in The FA Vase we are more than capable of causing an upset, says Stansfeld joint-manager Jamie Phipps

STANSFELD joint-manager Jamie Phipps says he is plotting an FA Cup upset at Burgess Hill Town tomorrow.

Stansfeld thrashed Wembley 4-1 in the Extra Preliminary Round but travel to play an Isthmian League South East Division side in the Preliminary Round.

Burgess Hill Town are third-from-bottom having picked up two back-to-back single goal defeats to Ashford United and Chichester City, while Stansfeld are in the top five in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table.

The First Division champions have beaten Bearsted (1-0) and Kennington (2-0) but Phipps missed their 2-1 home defeat to Welling Town in midweek, leaving Billy Hamlin in sole charge.

“We are happy with the start we have made and beating two established teams in the division is a good marker for where we need to be and shows we will be competitive,” said Phipps.

“I wasn’t at the game on Tuesday but Billy has said that we were unfortunate not to get something out of it, which is a little disappointing as to be unbeaten after three games would have been really good.  However, we are pleased with six points out of the first three games.”

Stansfeld go into their FA Cup tie as underdogs against a club who are one level higher than them – but Stansfeld relish that tag, having enjoyed lengthy FA Vase runs over the past couple of years.

“We know that tomorrow’s game will be really difficult against a very good side from the division above,” added Phipps.

“They haven’t had the best start to the season having lost both games 1-0 and they will still be favourites - but as we showed last year in the FA Vase we are more than capable of causing an upset.

“The FA Cup is massive for our club as it is a way to generate some much needed revenue but as players and managers it shows how far we have come as this is the first time we are in the competition on merit, we so we will need to make the most of our opportunity.

“We have got a few players back from holiday and niggles and also still have a few out with longer-term knocks.

“We know the challenge that faces us tomorrow but as always we will have a go and see where it takes us – hopefully it will be the next round!”

Burgess Hill Town  v  Stansfeld
The Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round
Saturday 20 August 2022
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Leylands Park, Maple Drive, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 8DL