Hook Norton boss Joe Davies hailed the spirit of his side as they prepare for the biggest match in their 127-year history, at Eastbourne United in the first qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup tomorrow, writes Matthew Bruce.

The Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 West side had only entered the competition once before, falling at the first hurdle in 2010.

But after easing past Frimley Green in their extra-preliminary round clash, the Brewery Boys then slayed Southern League side Burnham 4-2 in a replay to set up a tie with Southern Combination side Eastbourne.

“The players have been magnificent and really do work hard for each other,” said Davies.

“We’ve been superb in the cup so far and will be looking to keep the run going.”


The unprecedented run has sparked renewed interest in the club and Davies’ side will find themselves well-supported in Sussex.

Davies added: “We have sold out our coach for the trip and with the interest we have had we could have sold out another.

“The whole village is backing us, which is something that hasn’t happened for a long time, and we look forward to them coming along with us at the weekend.”

Jimmy Deabill returns from injury as Didcot Town travel to East London to face Ryman League Premier Division strugglers VCD Athletic.

The Railwaymen staged a remarkable comeback in the previous round, overturning a three-goal deficit to beat local rivals Wantage Town 4-3.

Joint manager Ian Concannon believes it could be the start of a special run.

“We enjoy cup games, especially in FA competitions, and it’s something we’ve all been looking forward to,” he said.

“We want to see how far we can go and see where the journey takes us.”

Midfielder Josh Dutton-Black also returns for Didcot, but defender Luke Carnell misses out through suspension.

North Leigh are severely depleted for their trip to Combined Counties League side Chessington & Hook.

The Millers are without Stuart Hole, George Seacole and Jozef Fullerton due to injury, while Miles Welch-Hayes has returned to parent club Oxford United after the end of his loan.

However, midfielder Jon Else could be in line for his first start after recovering from a foot injury.

Captain Tom Franklin returns to the Kidlington squad as they seek to book their place in the second qualifying round for the first time with victory at Godalming Town.

Lewis Coyle and Ben Weedon also make their returns for the Greens, but Tristian Laurence is out injured, while Eric Odhiambo is suspended.

TOMORROW’S SQUADS

Hook Norton (v Eastbourne Utd, away): Fox, J Rose, Snelling, Watkin, Peppiatt, Eyre, Poole, Wyatt, H Rose, Reeves, Thornton, Field, Hall, Smith, Green, Horn, Davies, Grant.

Didcot Tn (v VCD Ath, away): from Bedwell, Ballard, Learoyd, Dutton-Black, Organ, Longford, Self, Martin, Williams, Janes, Woodley, Deabill, Heapy, Thompson, Gannon, Francis.

North Leigh (v Chessington & Hook Utd, away): from Foster, Hopkins, Turk, White, Westlake, Woodley, Cook, Osborne-Ricketts, Sanders, McNish, Williams, John, Else, Shepperd, Saunders.

Kidlington (v Godalming Tn, away): from Warrell, C Weedon, B Weedon, Blakely, Franklin, Lawrence, Flanagan, Quainton, Castle, Brownhill, Gabbidon, Coyle, Thomas, A Odhiambo, Willoughby, Chalmers, Powell.