We do fancy our chances against Horsham, says Vickers assistant Andy Silk

VCD ATHLETIC assistant manager Andy Silk says he fancies his chances of pulling off another FA Cup giant-killing against Horsham on Saturday.

The Kent League side welcome the Ryman League Division One South outfit to Oakwood in the First Qualifying Round looking to cause a shock.

Vickers reached the Second Qualifying Round last season but Ricky Bennett’s side were defeated by then Conference South side Thurrock in a replay after they failed to take their chance on home soil in the first game.

VCD Athletic have already dumped Whitstable Town – who are currently at the foot of the Ryman League Division One South table – out of the competition and Bennett and Silk want more glory.

“It is another big game for us in the FA Cup,” said former Bromley and Cray Wanderers player Silk.

The 40-year-old added: “We beat Whitstable, which was deserved and we’ve been rewarded with another Ryman side but the good thing is we’re at home as well so we’ve got a chance, I suppose you would say.

“Every season you’d like to progress or at least to get as far as you did the previous year. I think if my memory serves me right if we win this one we match up to what we did last year.

“We’d like to progress and I’m sure the club would like us to progress due to the money situation it brings in.”

Silk revealed they have watched Horsham, who lie in thirteenth-place in the league above, with four points from their three league outings.

“We watched their replay against Raynes Park Vale when they won 3-1, but it’s early days for them. I think they’ve only played three league games anyways so it’s a funny time of the season. You can judge teams on results but it is early days. 

“We’ve watched them and they’re quite a young, good side. I supposed they’ve watched us as well so it’s a bit like going into the unknown and getting as much as you can before Saturday’s game.”

Everybody in non-league football loves The FA Cup – and reaching the First Round as Bromley did last season (when they were defeated 3-0 at Leyton Orient) is the pinnacle.

Silk, who once turned defender Graham Roberts inside out when he scored a screamer for Bromley away to Yeovil Town in a Isthmian Premier League fixture in the 1990’s, is feeling FA Cup fever.

“It’s great for everyone connected really,” he said. “Club wise there’s a few pound notes to be earned in each of the rounds that you progress but also it’s a bit of glory for the players.

“Everyone wants to play in The FA Cup and you want to go as far as you can. Let’s hope come Saturday we’re still in it.”

“Yes, we do fancy our chances really against most sides at our level and maybe even that one above.

“The proof is in the pudding. We beat Whitstable, who are a good side and fully deserved of that result.

“Being at home against another Ryman side we do fancy our chances but you have to have a lot of luck go your way and a lot of hard work to get that result. It’s not going to be easy but we’ve got to be confident.”

Scott Porter’s Hythe Town became the first Kent League side to reach the FA Cup First Round for 53 years when they played then League Two side Hereford United at that stage of the competition two years ago.

“It can be done, but realistically what they done there was fantastic,” reflected Silk.

“You never say never but it could be a one-off with a Kent League side getting that far. They done fantastic to get as far as they did and it would be great to even get near there. 

“I suppose it would be fantastic for everyone, not only VCD but the Kent League to have a representative there and push the profile up a little bit.”

Silk hopes the FA Cup gods are smiling on the green and white hooped shirted players on Saturday.

When asked how the game will be won, Silk replied, “Just a lot of hard work, a lot of luck, it has to be your day. It could be a matter of inches really. Shots could go in of the post, it could go either way.  You just hope you perform well and hopefully it gets you across the line.”

Silk added: “The moment you mention the FA Cup it is a big special, even at this stage of the season.  It’s a bit of a release from the league programme. Similar to the Vase you’re playing nine times out of ten a different side from a different league and that is always intriguing, we’ll see how we go.”

The Crayford based club are in fourth-place in the Kent League with four wins and a draw from their opening six games – their only defeat coming against immaculate leaders Erith Town.

Silk said: “We’ve had a couple of hard games. We’ve had a few games in a matter of days since the Whitstable game so we’re going to train tonight.

“You always like to have more points on the board as you can.  It’s such an early time of the season, everyone will tell you.

"As long as you’re nicking results and taking points here there and everywhere and you’re not really too far behind you don’t really look at the league table until ten games and you can assess where you are.

“The first couple of months the games come thick and fast and then around October time that’s when you look at it and say if you’re doing well or not.”

Visit VCD Athletic’s website: www.vcdathletic.co.uk  

VCD Athletic  v  Horsham
The FA Cup with Budweiser First Qualifying Round
Saturday 8^th September 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN