We've waited a long time for this FA Cup tie, says Cray Valley boss Steve Chapman

CRAY VALLEY (Paper Mills) manager Steve Chapman says he is looking forward to the club’s historic FA Cup tie on Saturday.

The Eltham-based side welcome Sussex County League side Lancing to Badgers Sports Ground to contest an Extra Preliminary Round tie and Chapman is relishing the opportunity of taking part in the world’s greatest Cup competition for the first time.

He said: “Everyone’s getting excited about it, because the draw has been kind to us.   We’ve got to fancy our chances at home against a middle of the table team.

“It will be a great opportunity for us.

“Financially we benefit to the tune of £1,500 (if we win) but I just think we’ve waited a long time for this.

“I think it will be a great day.  Generally lots of people have said they will come down to support us.

“We contacted Budweiser to see if they’d like to cover the game. I doubt it that they will. It would be good to get some more media coverage as well.”

Cray Valley have played a couple of games in the Southern Counties East Football League and are in third-place in the league table.

They began their campaign with a 3-0 win away to Holmesdale at Oakley Road last Saturday, but were held by Tunbridge Wells in a 1-1 draw at Badgers in midweek.

Lancing have picked up four points from their opening two league games and sit in third-place in the top-flight of the Sussex County League at this early stage.

Chapman added: "We're at full strength but I can keep most of them happy because I can name seven subs."

Visit Cray Valley’s website: www.cray-valley.co.uk

Cray Valley (Paper Mills)  v  Lancing
The FA Cup with Budweiser Extra Preliminary Round
Saturday 17^th August 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Badgers Sports Ground, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London SE9 5HT