The magic of the FA Cup returns to Bridge Road this Saturday as we look to make headlines once more in the world’s oldest knockout competition. After overcoming Thetford Town and Woodbridge Town in previous rounds, Norfolk side Mulbarton Wanderers stand between us and a place in the draw for the Second Qualifying Round and the prospects of being drawn against a side from the National League North or South with possible TV coverage.
We are one of only four sides from the UCL Premier Division South still remaining in the competition, and a win on Saturday will take us into the Second Qualifying Round stage for the first time since 2016.
Mulbarton have made a solid start to their season. They have won two of their three fixtures in the Eastern Counties League Premier Division and progressed in the FA Cup by beating Dereham Town 3-1 at home, followed by a 2-0 win over Cambridge City, also at home. In his preview of the game in Saturday’s Matchday Programme, Stutes manager Chris Nunn says, “Mulbarton are probably pleased to be playing a club from Step 5 at this stage of the competition as they could easily have been drawn against a side from a higher level. For that reason, they will be confident of getting a result, as are we.”
The winners on Saturday will be guaranteed £3,375 from the FA Prize Fund, which is a far cry from the £2M that Crystal Palace received for winning the competition last season. The money will however go a long way toward putting Histon FC in a stronger position to compete at all levels.
Theo Gifford’s red card last weekend means he will be serving the first of a three-game suspension on Saturday. The game may also come a little too early for Danny Gould on his return to Bridge Road, but the manager should otherwise have a full squad to select from. After the win and much improved performance on Bank Holiday Monday, the management team will have some team selection headaches to address before kick-off at 3.00pm.
Season tickets will NOT be valid for Saturday’s game. Admission is at the usual rate of £10 adults, £6 concessions and £2 for 12 to 17-year-olds. Accompanied under 12s are admitted for free. The bar will be open from 1.00pm and the food bar will be serving all the usual favourites throughout the afternoon. The Matchday Programme, which this week includes a feature on new signing Theo Gifford, is priced at £2.00.
Should the game be all square at full time, a replay will be held at the Abode Arena at Mulberry Park, Mulbarton, on Tuesday evening with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Please note that our UCL fixture at Godmanchester Rovers scheduled for next Tuesday has been postponed due to the pitch at their Bearscroft Lane ground still being under reconstruction.
