It’s a great honour to take the club into The FA Cup for the first time in its history, says Gravesham Borough boss Kevin Hake

GRAVESHAM BOROUGH manager Kevin Hake says he’s feeling honoured to be in charge of the club’s FA Cup debut on Sunday.

The club play in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division and have secured a groundshare deal at Ryman League Division One South side Chatham Town.

Hake takes his side to Chipstead to lock horns with Epsom & Ewell in The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on Sunday.

The E’s were one of eight clubs in the Combined Counties League campaign underway on Tuesday night and got their campaign off to a flying start with a 9-2 away win at Bedfont & Feltham and sit top of the table, while Gravesham Borough get their season underway in The FA Cup.

“It’s a great honour to take the club into The FA Cup for the first time in its history,” said Hake.

“It means as a club we will continue to follow on with the progress we made last season in The FA Vase and the league.

“Whilst it’s a shame the game has come so early in the season, the lads are fully prepared for what will be for many their first time involved in the competition.

“It’s the greatest cup competition in the world and I’m glad we are playing our part, not only for this season but the forthcoming years to come.

“The opposition will be an interesting one, especially as they scored nine goals in their opening league game on Tuesday. Coupled with us scoring over 100 goals last season I wouldn’t recommend anyone backing the 0-0!

“The club as a whole are invigorated by the game and looking forward to the season as a whole.

“Off-the-pitch the club has worked tirelessly to secure a groundshare with Chatham Town that will now provide the stability required for the club to grow.

“We are realistic with our ambitions for this season and with the squad assembled we look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Visit Gravesham Borough’s website:  www.graveshamboroughfc.co.uk

Epsom & Ewell  v  Gravesham Borough
The Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Sunday 7^th August 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
At High Road, Chipstead, Surrey CR5 3SF