FA CUP DRAW: We are massive underdogs at Staines, says Sittingbourne boss Nick Davis

Monday 30th September 2013

SITTINGBOURNE defender Nick Davis says his side will be underdogs again when they travel to Staines Town in The FA Cup Third Qualifying Round on 12 October.

The caretaker-joint manager headed home the winner as Sittingbourne pulled off a 2-1 win at Ryman Premier League side Thamesmead Town to reach this stage of the competition for the first time in sixteen years.

Their reward is a trip to Skrill South side Staines Town in the penultimate qualifying round.

“Yes, real difficult one with them being fifth in Conference South and unbeaten at home,” said Davis, 31.

“We have nothing to fear. We are massive underdogs, but it’s The FA Cup and anything can happen.”

BROMLEY will have home advantage for the second time after Mark Goldberg’s side were drawn at home to Heybridge Swifts.

The Ravens scraped to a 1-0 victory over Ryman League Division One South side Burgess Hill Town, courtesy of Shamir Mullings’ 20^th minute tap-in.

Heybridge Swifts play in Ryman League Division One North and coach Hugo Langton is all clued up on the Essex outfit after spending time in the division while coaching Thamesmead Town.

“We just wanted a home draw, didn’t really matter who, as anything can happen in The Cup, no matter who you have to play,” said Langton.

“It will be a tough game. Heybridge, in my experience over the years, have always been well-organised and have always had attacking players who can hurt you but that will be the case now too.”

Bromley have a 100% home record in all competitions this season at Hayes Lane, their home for 75 years.

Langton added: “But we’re at home and we are well pleased about that.”

CHATHAM TOWN striker Andy Constable says he is pleased with being drawn against a club at their own level.

Chatham Town will travel to Horsham, the Ryman League Division One South side that defeated Faversham Town 2-0 yesterday.

Constable, who won the Kent League double with Erith & Belvedere last season said: “Really happy with the draw, to pull someone out of the hat at this stage of the competition that are at the same level as us presents a very good opportunity to progress.

“Horsham have a great history in The FA Cup though so we won’t go there thinking it will be an easy game.

“They will also be delighted with the draw and like the previous round both teams will feel they have a very realistic chance of making it through to the last qualifying round.

“We will be ready when the game comes around and hopefully it will be a good day for everyone involved with Chatham Town.”

DULWICH HAMLET will travel to Hemel Hempstead after they came away from Margate with a 2-1 win at the weekend, their second victory over the Thanet side in a week.

Hamlet boss Gavin Rose said: “Obviously because of distance we don’t know much about either side, but I’m sure it’s going to be a tough game as it’s away from home.”

HORSHAM defender Ian Varley also sees playing Chatham Town as a good opportunity to make it through to the final qualifying round.

The Medway based player tweeted: “Can’t really ask for much more! A team at the same level as us at home! Big chance! Two wins from the first round proper!”

The FA Cup with Budweiser Third Qualifying Round Draw (Revised):

16 Maidstone United v Boreham Wood

18 Dover Athletic v AFC Rushden & Diamonds

20 Horsham v Chatham Town

24 Staines Town v Sittingbourne

26 St Albans City v Tonbridge Angels

27 Hemel Hempstead v Dulwich Hamlet

30 Ebbsfleet United v Eastbourne Borough

31 Bromley v Heybridge Swifts

Ties to take place on Saturday 12 October 2013 – Winners will each scoop £7,500 in prize money