YM hoping for cup run
YM MANAGER John Suter believes his side have a good chance of progressing past Croydon when the two teams meet at Gorings Mead tomorrow in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.
"In the pecking order of the pyramid they are on the same level as us," explained Suter, whose side have already beaten Hailsham and Corinthian Casuals. "We have as much chance as them of winning the game. I'm looking forward to it."
It seems appropriate that the oldest football competition has a special place in the heart of the County League's longest serving manager.
In 1999 YM almost made it to the first round of the FA Cup. After beating Guildford & Godalming, Cray Wanderers, Corinithian Casuals and Herne Bay, YM lined up against Chelmsford City in front of more than 900 spectators who crammed into Gorings Mead.
"I will never forget when we got to the fourth qualifying round," said Suter. "It was very exciting. BBC and ITV were in the stands and Sky came down to a training session.
"I remember everything about the game. We went a goal up after about ten minutes when Damian Francis crossed for Rob Grim to head home - the whole place went wild," added Suter.
Chelmsford, who played in the Southern League, then went into a 2-1 lead, Tes Bramble, brother of Newcastle United's Titus, scoring one of the goals.
Lee Butcher dragged YM level but Chelmsford got through courtesy of a goal that might have been adjudged offside.
"We watched the draw for the next round in the clubhouse after the game. It was heaving. We would have played Oldham and it would have been on Sky. We might have created an all-time scoring record in the FA Cup," he added, fearing the former Premier League side might have racked up a cricket score.
Croydon have played just once this season - a 1-1 draw with Brook House on Saturday - while YM have played eight in all competitions already. The winning team will receive £2,250,
YM will be without suspended pair Barrie Westgate and Kris Trevor.