FA CUP SPECIAL: This is going to be our year, says excited Walker

MAIDSTONE UNITED’S joint-manager, Alan Walker is just one more win away from fulfilling a dream - leading a side in the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first ever time, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Stones came back from British Gas Business Premier League side Halesowen Town with an impressive 4-1 victory yesterday and are just one more win away from a possible meeting with Leeds United, Leicester City, Millwall or Gillingham.

Despite falling behind, three goals in as many minutes at the end of the first half, from Meshach Nugent, Jay Saunders and Lloyd Blackam, put the Kent side in the driving seat. Ian Selley then scored his second successive penalty, during the second half, to seal the victory.

“We started very well, Andy Martin missed a sitter in the first couple of minutes, but then to be fair to them, they missed a sitter not long after and then they had a decent spell and deservedly went 1-0 up,” Walker told BBC Radio Kent yesterday.

“But then we battled back, had lots and lots of chances and we scored three goals in a matter of five minutes.

“I think one of them was a bit lucky with a deflection off a defender, which fell kindly to Meshach Nugent.

“Then a second one, a very well worked set piece, Ian Cox came at the far post, headed back across and Jay Saunders bundled it in and then a moment of sheer class really. Meshach Nugent did very well, turned someone on the half way line and fed in Lloyd Blackman down the left hand side and he’s come inside and curled one straight into the top far corner, an absolute classic to be fair.

“We’d not been playing badly and we’ve created a lot of chances. It was an open game, there were chances at both ends.

“We’ve eventually hit the button and scored and the game’s suddenly turned. They had a sustained spell of pressure in the second half, where we defended resolutely to be fair to the boys.

“As it happens, they had to chase it, we’ve gone forward, the defender needlessly handballed it for a penalty and Ian Selley put it away to make the game really safe then.”

Walker was pleased with his side’s performance for the second Saturday running - they defeated Sutton United 1-0, thanks to Selley’s spot-kick -and praised the travelling faithful for their vocal support.

“It’s been a great performance, a great day,” said Walker. “Our crowd was absolutely magnificent. They never stopped the whole time and we’re pleased we’ve sent them back down to Kent with a great win.”

And on his side’s performance, Walker said: “Again, for the second week running I don’t think you can’t put your finger on who had a poor game. Everyone performed, everyone put their shift in.

“We worked very hard and 4-1 didn’t flatter us I don’t feel. We possibly could have conceded one or two more but we could have scored an awful lot more.”

There are three Kent sides in tomorrow's draw.  Ebbsfleet United, one of 24 Blue Square Premier clubs start at this stage, and Dover Athletic, who travel to AFC Wimbledon for their replay on Tuesday night.

There is a belief within the Stones camp that they will reach the first round proper for the first time since reforming.

“This is the furthest I’ve ever been as a manager,” said an excited Walker. “I’ve never had a run in the Cup before and this is turning out, so far, touch wood, to be our lucky year.

“We feel we’ve got a squad where we can definitely reach the first round proper - at least - and we’re gearing up to try and do that.”

Walker and Lloyd Hume have won plenty of titles during their time, but winning their next FA Cup tie will be up there with the best.

“The league is one where you measure yourself week in week out, when you win leagues, but at the same time in terms of one-off’s the Cup’s a brilliant feel,” said Walker.

“The FA Cup is probably the most famous cup in the world, it’s probably the biggest Cup competition, it’s a massive thing and everyone talks about the magic of the FA Cup and it does bring that feel of euphoria to you as a player and a manager.”

FA Cup Fourth and Final Qualifying Round Teams
(At this stage last season the draw was split, north and south)

Blue Square Premier sides enter the FA Cup at this stage - listed in order of current league table before Sunday’s games take place:
Crawley Town, Kettering Town, Cambridge United, Kidderminster Harriers, Histon, Burton Albion, Rushden & Diamonds, Torquay United, Wrexham, Mansfield Town, Stevenage Borough, Ebbsfleet United, York City, Salisbury City, Weymouth, Altrincham, Barrow, Oxford United, Woking, Forest Green Rovers, Eastbourne Borough, Grays Athletic, Lewes, Nortwich Victoria.

Winners of yesterday’s third qualifying round ties:
AFC Hornchurch, AFC Totton, Ashford Town (Middlesex), Aylesbury United, Belper, Bishop’s Stortford, Brackley Town, Burgess Hill Town, Bury Town, Blyth Spartans, Curzon Ashton, Dorchester Town, Droylsden, Evesham United, Fleetwood Town, Maidstone United, Hampton & Richmond Borough, Havant & Waterlooville, AFC Telford, Hinckley, Horsham, Hayes & Yeading, Leiston, Oxford City, Retford, Boston United, Durham, Tamworth, Sutton United, Nantwich, Kings Lynn.

Facing midweek replays:
Alferton and Ilkeston
Atherstone and Chipstead
Basingstoke Town and Bashley
Dover Athletic and AFC Wimbledon
Eastwood Town and Harrogate Town
Frome and Team Bath
Guisley and Sheffield
Harlow Town and Crowborough Athletic

Playing later today:
Newcastle Blue Star v Hucknall Town

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk 

Visit BBC Radio Kent’s website: www.bbc.co.uk/kent