Playing against Beckenham is always tough. They’re a good side and have been for many years, says Tunbridge Wells boss Richard Styles

TUNBRIDGE WELLS manager Richard Styles says he wants his side to produce some FA Cup magic tomorrow.

The Southern Counties East Football League leaders welcome Beckenham Town to Culverden Stadium in the Preliminary Round.

Wells kicked off their new campaign by beating their league rivals Erith Town 1-0 in the Preliminary Round, courtesy of a last-gasp penalty from Brett Ince.

However, the game was at risk as the pitch markings weren’t clear so Barry Fenn (K Sports’ former kit-man and now scout at National League side King’s Lynn Town) who was going to watch the game volunteered to mark out the Culverden Stadium pitch to ensure the game went ahead, despite a delayed kick-off.

“We beat Erith Town in the last round in a hard-fought tie that I felt we shaded,” recalled Styles.

“Again, it was vitally important to get the win to enable us to the prize money but it was a good night for everyone involved at the club as it was our first competitive match back at the Culverden amongst our fans.”

Tunbridge Wells sit proudly at the top of the table after beating Lordswood (5-0) and Bearsted 4-0 at home on Tuesday night.

Jason Huntley’s Beckenham Town, meanwhile, beat Mile Oak 4-0 in The FA Cup and Deal Town 2-0 on the opening day of the season before being held to a 2-2 draw by Glebe at Eden Park Avenue on Tuesday night.

“As everyone knows The FA Cup is such a famous competition. It’s a privilege to be competing in it as is the same for all clubs at this level,” said Styles.

“Every manager, coach and player wants to be a part of it because they are good days and events that you will go on to tell your children, grandchildren in future times etc.

“In terms of from a clubs perspective, there is the financial element that obviously helps, especially after a year like 2020 has been for all football clubs, so to be able to win a game or two allows some financial reward that wasn’t budgeted for initially and is highly valuable.

“Playing against Beckenham is always tough. They’re a good side and have been for many years now under their loyal management.

“We know we need to be at our best to even be considered to get anything from the game.

“At the same time with the magic of the Cup, you never know and it’s what happens on the day.

“I want the boys to go out and enjoy it and we’ll go from there.”

Reflecting on their 100% start to the new campaign, Styles added: “The start of the season has gone well so far. We will look to take that into all of our upcoming games – both in the League and cups.”

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website:  www.tunbridgewellsfc.com

Tunbridge Wells  v  Beckenham Town
The Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round
Saturday 12 September 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SG