Match Preview

Following Wednesday’s record-breaking away trip to Worcester Raiders, City now gear up for a slightly further afield away trip to Mansfield, Nottinghamshire on Saturday to take on Sherwood Colliery in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round.

Sherwood Colliery compete in the Uhlsport United Counties League, also at Step 5 in the pyramid, the same level as City. The club was formed in 2008 and reaching the First Qualifying Round in the Cup this season equals their best-ever performance in the competition from two seasons prior.

Our opponents are currently unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, having won four out of their five games so far in the league, and making it past Aylestone Park and Grantham Town so far in the FA Cup.

City meanwhile come into this game on the back of two good wins and performances, putting to bed the disappointment of the only defeat so far this season. City felt in control throughout the midweek encounter with Raiders, with Izak Reid returning to the starting line-up after injury. Dylan Hart missed out after limping off during the win over AFC Bridgnorth, and it remains to be seen if he will return in time for this one.

City make this round after defeating Dudley Town and Westfields prior to this one, and have won six out of eight games played so far this season.

Following the Raiders result midweek, we asked Chris on his thoughts of the game:

'Personally, I'm glad that Wednesday is over and done with, I'm delighted to win the game but glad it's behind us and we can concentrate on the next game. But obviously it was an amazing turnout from the fans and we were so happy we could win and give them something to cheer.'

'Credit to Worcester Raiders and their amazing volunteers for putting on such an amazing event which couldn't have been easy, but honestly it was absolutely brilliant.'

'Hopefully we can get those fans to our next home game to get behind us because they really do make all of the difference.'

Competition for places in the first eleven at present is fierce. Logan Stoddart kept his place at right back over Cam Monteith for the midweek trip to Sixways after impressing with a goal versus AFC Bridgnorth, and Reid returning only intensifies the battle for the three positions at the top of the pitch. Liam Loockett’s long range strike on Wednesday would solidify his place on the left, while Jamie Insall has led the line as our no.9 for the past two games.

Despite the competitiveness in the squad, the mood in the dressing room is brilliant at present, says Chris:

'The dressing room is absolutely fantastic, the lads are so close and together and that's testament to the skipper and the experienced lads. I've said it before, we worked really hard to get the right players to the club and that is to do with how they are both on and off the pitch, because both have to be right.'

And finally, what are Chris' thoughts on the game tomorrow?

'The Sherwood Colliery game is going to be a very difficult one. They are a team in amazing form and they're unbeaten this season, so their confidence will be really high. We will do everything we can to win the game, and I'm hoping we'll have some of The Faithful travelling to cheer on the lads.'

Sherwood Colliery have limited parking at Debdale Park Sports Club. For those making the trip by car you can also park at the train station which is only a few minutes’ walk. The road leading to the ground is double-yellowed and we have been informed of a lively ticket warden, so be weary of parking.

Tickets are priced at £6 for Adults, £4 for Concessions, whilst Child Tickets are £1. Food and drink will be available from the Sports Club.