It’s a massive buzz to be in The FA Cup so we’ll be certainly gunning to be in the next round, says Bromley boss Mark Goldberg

BROMLEY boss Mark Goldberg says his side must take advantage of being at home for their winner-takes-all FA Cup showdown against Eastleigh on Saturday.

It will be the first time that the two clubs have met since Eastleigh won 2-1 at Hayes Lane on 8 April 2014 in Skrill South.

The Hampshire outfit went on to claim the Conference South title by six points on Bromley, who finished a personal best of third place, before Bromley lost to Ebbsfleet United 4-1 on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals.

The Spitfires finished in the top four in the top-flight of non-league football last season, while Goldberg guided Bromley to the Conference South title, the club’s first title in 54 years.

Bromley go into Saturday’s Fourth Qualifying Round tie sitting in a beyond expectations position of sixth-place on 30 points from 18 games, while Eastleigh arrive at Hayes Lane in tenth-place with 28 points from 17 outings.

“I think it’s a very hard draw for both clubs,” admitted Goldberg.

“I think possibly if we’re going to be drawn against a team in our league to play at home, for us, we would favour that so in respect it’s a hard draw for both clubs but possibly for us at least for the club it’s better that we’re at home.”

Bromley will bank £12,500 in prize money should they beat their league rivals in this round and Goldberg has an excellent FA Cup record.

The Lillywhites lost 4-3 to then higher-league Dartford in a First Round epic last season and Bromley have lost recent First Round ties to Fleetwood Town (2012), Leyton Orient (2011), Colchester United (2009) and Gillingham in 2006.

But with Saturday’s game certain to attract another large crowd to Hayes Lane, Goldberg knows a FA Cup run benefits the club.

He said: “I think it’s crucial before commercially The FA Cup is such an important competition commercially.

“It’s also a massive buzz to be in it so we’ll be certainly gunning to be in the next round.”

Meanwhile, the club received a massive boost this week with the news that a new member of the off-the-field management team has joined the Hayes Lane outfit.

Robin Stanton-Gleaves is a life-long Millwall supporter and entrepreneur with over 25 years of successful business in the print and document technology sector and attended Ravensbourne School, which is based down the road from the ground.

Club chairman Jerry Dolke told www.bromleyfc.tv: “‘I am delighted Robin has agreed to join us at such an important time in the clubs development.

“We’ve long recognised the importance of a strong and focused team, off the pitch as well as on it.

“Robin will bring valuable experience and business acumen at an important and pivotal time.

“We are working hard to gain planning permission for a new stand with sports and educational facility that will bring much needed revenue to the club. We also have further plans which we will announce in the New Year that will help to stabilise the ever increasing financial demands we now face.”

Mr Stanton-Gleaves added: “It’s obvious to me that Bromley FC has both the ambition and capability to succeed on all fronts.

“The challenges of running a successful club is no different to the demands of a business. You need a great team, work ethic that is second to none combined with a clear plan and a little luck.

“When speaking with Rob Kay and Jon Plassard about getting involved, what struck me most was their vision for the future and the togetherness of the existing management team.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with them all to help the club achieve its plans off the pitch. Hopefully Mark Goldberg and his team will continue to do their part on it”.

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.tv/site

Bromley  v  Eastleigh
The FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round (Sponsored by Emirates)
Saturday 24^th October 2015
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF