The Emirates FA Cup is back and on Saturday we make the 45-minute journey to Stowmarket Town of the Eastern Counties League Premier Division for an Extra-Preliminary Round tie. The world’s oldest cup competition always rekindles memories of our win over Leeds United in 2008 which in many ways defines our village football club, but success in the competition has been thin on the ground since those glory days. Could this be the year we make an impression on the competition once again?
Saturday’s game will be our first visit to Greens Meadow since October 2018 when Ed Rolph scored in an ECL Premier Division game that ended in a 1-1 draw. Should the result this Saturday be the same, the replay will be at Bridge Road next Tuesday 6th August with a 7.45pm kick-off. The winners will host either Cornard United or Fakenham Town, both of the ECL Premier Division, in the next round on Saturday 17th August.
The latest team news is that Connor Barnes is likely to miss out again with the hamstring niggle picked up during the pre-season games but Ellis Leka, who left the field with a hip injury last Saturday, is expected to be fit. Also available for selection is new signing Max Ryan. The 25-year-old defender/midfielder featured in some of our pre-season friendlies and joins us after gaining previous experience at Hitchin Town and Barton Rovers.
If selected to play, Marcus Cole will be making his 100th appearance for the Stutes since joining us in the Summer of 2021.
Admission to the game is £9 for adults, £6 concessions, students £3 and under 16s £1. Set your sat nav to IP14 1JQ.
Your support on Saturday would be greatly appreciated as we go looking for FA Cup glory.
