You can go out and make a name for yourself in the FA Cup, says Deres boss Micky Collins

ERITH & BELVEDERE manager Micky Collins says his side are relishing the underdog tag when they lock horns with Hythe Town in Saturday’s FA Cup showdown, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Deres travel down to Reachfields Stadium for a mouth-watering First Qualifying Round tie aiming to send Scott Porter’s side crashing out of the FA Cup.

Last season, Hythe Town became the first Kent League club for 53 years to reach the first round proper when they got through six rounds before putting up a spirited fight at League Two side Hereford United, going down 5-1 on a memorable day at Edgar Street last November.

Porter guided his club to the Kent League title last season and they go into Saturday’s game as a Ryman League club, although they sit in fourteenth place in the Division One South table, with two wins and a draw from their six outings.

Collins, 40, says he wants his Kent Leaguers to make a name for themselves in this year’s competition.

He said: “It’s fantastic, it’s the competition that minnows like us and what Hythe achieved last year, you can go out and make a name for yourself.

“It is still special.  When you’ve played it’s always special, even if you’re managing in it still now.

“You shouldn’t have to fire your players’ up for a FA Cup game.”

Hadlow resident Collins added: “It is always that underdog mentality and it always at the back of your mind. You’re dreaming of getting on and trying to nick a good draw at some point.”

Hythe Town made over £40,000 from last season’s heroic FA Cup run and Collins wants to scoop the £3,000 prize money that’s available in this round.

“It’s great for the club.  We made quite a bit here last year.  We’ve got through two rounds this year so that helps the coffers. 

“If later on in the year we’re looking to be competing for something, the chairman will look after us!”

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk  

Hythe Town  v  Erith & Belvedere
FA Cup with Budweiser First Qualifying Round
Saturday 17^th September 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Reachfields Stadium, Fort Road, Hythe, Kent CT21 6JS