I'm very proud of what my players have achieved in The FA Vase so far, says Canterbury City joint-boss Ben Smith

CANTERBURY CITY joint-manager Ben Smith says he is feeling excited ahead of tomorrow’s FA Vase Third Round clash against Knaphill.

The Surrey outfit have knocked out Kent sides Cray Valley (5-4, after extra time) and stunned Tunbridge Wells with a 3-0 win in the last round.

Canterbury City go into their first ever tie at this stage with Tommy Sampson watching from the stands.

Sampson led Deal Town to Wembley glory back in 2000, when his side defeated Chippenham Town courtesy of that Roly Graham late winner underneath the iconic Twin Towers.

Smith hopes Sampson inspires his side to reach the last 32 of this season’s competition, Canterbury City’s best ever run in the competition.

“We are now under 24 hours from possibly the biggest game in the reformed club’s history and whatever happens on Saturday, it’s great to have some excitement for the club,” Smith told the club’s website.

“I am very proud of what my players have achieved so far in this competition. What makes the game more interesting is that this is also the furthest round that Knaphill have got to so I think whatever the result both clubs will take some real positives from The FA Vase.

“We've again shown in recent weeks that we can bounce back from disappointments and I think that is a great quality to have.

“In a tight league like ours, one win can make a huge difference in the table.

“I would say that Knaphill are the form team going into the tie and as such, will go in as favourites to progress to the next round. To beat Cray Valley and comfortably dispatch Tunbridge Wells is no easy task.

“I have also seen a bit of our opposition and I have been impressed with them but we will take confidence from our previous cup performances and have a real go at it as there is an awful lot to gain and not a lot to lose.

“One guest on the day will be Tommy Sampson, a Kent football legend and FA Vase winner. Tommy has called me in the week to pass on his best wishes to the team, give me some advice and share a few memories from his Vase experiences (particularly Deal Town's win) which has been fantastic for my development and certainly inspiring.

“Hopefully having Tommy there in the stands watching will give the players some extra inspiration.

“Whatever happens on Saturday, it’s great to have some excitement for the club and hopefully this is the start of re-establishing the club as a strong outfit in the South East.”

Jordan Casey misses the game through a one-match suspension, while Ryan Phillpot is cup-tied having played for Deal Town earlier in the competition.

Sam Staunton (groin) should return to the squad and Jamie Bosiou’s ankle has recovered well enough to be in contention.

Visit Canterbury City’s website:  www.pitchero.com/clubs/canterburycityfc

Canterbury City  v  Knaphill
The FA Vase Third Round
Saturday 12^th December 2015
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ