There's a bit of history between us and Lancing, which I won't go into, says Phoenix Sports boss Paul Bryon

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Paul Bryon says there’s a bit of history between his side and Lancing going into tonight’s FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie.

Phoenix Sports are one of seven Isthmian League clubs entering the competition at its very first stage and head down to Sussex to open their new campaign.

“There’s a bit of history between us and Lancing, which I won’t go into,” said Bryon, whose side beat 3-0 Lancing in a replay at Culver Road a couple of years ago but were removed from the competition due to an administrative error.

“It feels a bit weird that our first game is a cup game and a very difficult tie for us away on a Tuesday.

“You always thank you have prepared properly and done all you can but you never really know where you are at until after the first 90 minutes.

“We have some good new additions to the squad and a healthy competition for places.

“We need that as it seems Covid has not hurt a lot of teams due to the spending going on.

“It’s going to be a very tough season as always but we are looking forward to it and maybe coming up with a couple of surprises along the way.

“That’s not the case at Phoenix but I would like to say the board and many other volunteers at the club have done an excellent job getting us through the lockdown period and keeping us going.

“We need to try and repay that on the pitch now. The FA Cup is a very special competition and I feel privileged every time that I am involved in it.”

With the game being settled on the night, with no extra-time just straight to penalties if the game is all-square after 90 minutes, the winners tonight will bank a much-needed £1,125 and the losing teams will bank £375 – although prize money has been reduced this season.

Phoenix Sports kick-off their Isthmian League South East Division campaign with a trip to Tommy Warrilow’s Ashford United on Saturday 19 September (15:00).

Visit Phoenix Sports’ website:  www.phoenixsportsclub.co.uk

Lancing  v  Phoenix Sports
The Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Tuesday 1 September 2020
Kick Off 7:30pm
at Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 9AX