There is no reason why we can't cause an upset at Tonbridge, says Herne Bay boss Sam Denly

HERNE BAY manager Sam Denly says he wants his players to rise to the occasion and cause a FA Cup upset at Tonbridge Angels tomorrow.



The Bay travel to Longmead Stadium for a First Qualifying Round tie with an injury-hit squad.

Denly’s side go into the game sitting in eight-place in the Ryman League Division One South table after beating newly-promoted South Park 2-1 at Winch’s Field in midweek.

“We continued our recent good run of results when we beat South Park,” said Denly.

“I was particularly pleased with the performance on Tuesday night. We played some of our best football this season to date and on another night could have been more.

“One disappointing thing from Tuesday was the fact we picked up so many injuries to add to our already long injury ward list.

“Ben Brown is out tomorrow along with Gary Sayer, Danny Walder, James Turner, Sam Hasler, Nathan Eastwood and James Brown.

“Stuart King, Sam Staunton and Jordan Casey all have fitness tests on the day so it’s far from ideal but it is what it is.

“It gives young lads from the under 21s and 18s opportunities to come into the squad and be part of a special day playing in The FA Cup.”

The Angels are playing Ryman Premier League football this season after losing their three-year stay in Conference South after relegation.

Now managed by former Sutton United coach Steve McKimm, the Angels are in tenth-place in the table after thrashing Canvey Island 4-1 at home in their last game.

McKimm’s men have claimed a 50% record this season with five wins and five defeats in the league this season, but are the only side to beat league leaders Maidstone United.

Denly said: “I have had Tonbridge watched and I know what to expect. They are a quality side and we go there as underdogs and rightly so, but we’re prepared and looking forward to the tie.

“If the lads work hard and play the game in true FA Cup spirit then there is no reason why we can’t cause an upset.

“Our players will have an opportunity to express themselves, embrace the occasion and have no regrets at five o’clock tomorrow afternoon.”

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/hernebay

Tonbridge Angels  v  Herne Bay
The FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Saturday 13^th September 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JF