It really is a huge honour for every one of the players and officials to be involved in such a historic occasion, says Thamesmead Town boss Tommy Warrilow

THAMESMEAD TOWN travel to the Channel Islands to face Guernsey in a historic FA Cup Preliminary Round tie next Saturday.

The game will be the very first tie played in the Channel Islands in the 145-year history of the Greatest Cup Competition. It is also the most southerly venue that a tie has ever been played at.

Mead boss Tommy Warrilow told www.thamesmeadtownfc.com: “It’s obviously going to be a very tough game especially as we’ve got to travel to the Island where I know that they will be very strong.

“But what a day it promises to be for our club and of course Guernsey themselves.

“It really is a huge honour for every one of the players and officials to be involved in such a historic occasion – everyone who plays the game wants to play in The FA Cup and for us to have pulled what is probably the plumb tie of the round, is great!”

A club statement said: “It promises to be a fantastic occasion and yet another marvellous first for the competition and we at Thamesmead Town Football Club are honoured to be part of what we are sure will be a wonderful occasion not only for the competition but also for everyone connected in Guernsey football.

“After playing their neighbours from Jersey in a pre-season game 12 months ago, this tie will give the Mead a somewhat unique record of having played both of the Islands football teams.”

Thamesmead Town’s long-serving secretary, Dave Joy, added: “Having the opportunity to play in FA Cup history is something special. To play in the first FA Cup tie played off the mainland is an honour.

“As a club we will enjoy the game but we are not going just to make the numbers up. We are aware that at home Guernsey are traditionally strong and it will be a difficult tie but our preparation is going to be good and we fully expect to be involved in a really competitive FA Cup tie.”

Warrilow’s first league game in charge of Thamesmead Town resulted in a 2-1 home win over Heybridge Swifts yesterday, with debutants Adrian Stone and Cristian Nanetti, who sealed victory with an injury time free-kick, scoring.

Warrilow takes his side to Thurrock – a side that opened with a 1-1 draw at Tilbury – on Tuesday night.

Warrilow has won his last 11 games in charge in the Ryman League, having won his last 10 games in charge of Cray Wanderers before Tony Russell left VCD Athletic to take charge of the Wands in the summer of 2015.

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.com