10thoct03

Friday 10th October 2003

Underdogs are ready to bite

FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Preview

Saturday 11 October 2003

at The Clive Christian Stadium, Hayes Lane

Bromley v Thurrock

by Stephen McCartney www.kentishfootball.co.uk

Bromley manager Stuart McIntyre has asked all Bromley supporters to be vocal and passionate for Saturday's FA Cup third qualifying round tie against Ryman League Premier Division Thurrock.

McIntyre has a full strength squad available for the club's biggest FA Cup game at Hayes Lane since Enfield won 3-1 in the first round proper in 1996.

Speaking after Thursday's training session, McIntyre said: "I think we are ready. There is a lot of anticipation and excitement from the players, which is understandable.

"We've had a couple of sessions and we have concentrated on our game plan and it's all about what happens on the day.

"If everybody turns up, handles the excitement and get on their game early and keep it tight, anything is possible!"

Bromley beat local rivals Dartford 3-0 in the last round in front of a crowd of 542. McIntyre asks all Bromley supporters to turn out in force and get behind the team before kick off and make more noise than the travelling contingent from Essex.

McIntyre said: "I ask all Bromley supporters to get behind us. At this stage in the competition anything is possible. If it's quiet Thurrock will get an advantage because their fans won't be quiet. If our fans make a lot of noise like they did against Dartford in the last round it will give the Bromley team an advantage and it will be a massive lift for us. Nobody likes silence especially at home and nobody wants the opposing supporters singing."

"I want our fans to get to the game early and create a fantastic atmosphere even before a ball is kicked."

Thurrock come to Hayes Lane flying high in the Ryman League Premier Division, but McIntyre doesn't mind being underdogs, and feels strongly his side can get a result if the team's experienced and quality players shine on the big stage.

He added: "I think there is a little bit of help for us being the underdogs, because Thurrock are in the Ryman Premier Division, so that takes a bit of pressure of us. As long as the bulk of our squad are free from too many nerves, we have a good chance.

"I have told the players that each individual player doesn't turn up on Saturday thinking somebody else will win the game for us. In the third qualifying round of the FA Cup it's all about what's inside each individual.

"We don't fear Thurrock. We never feared Carshalton or Bognor Regis when we played them last season. They were both top of the league when we played them and we beat them both.

"We will give a good account of ourselves. We have some good players here and a lot of experience for such a young side. Colin Luckett and Danny Smith have played in the Conference, Dean Forbes has played international matches and goalkeeper Danny Harwood has played ten years at this level and has played in the Ryman Premier Division."

McIntyre concluded: "As long as on the day the whole thing is pretty much clicking together, we have a chance!"

Admission prices are £7 (adults) and £4 (concessions) and kick off is at 3.00pm.