FC Stratford head into the unknown

IT WILL be unknown territory for FC Stratford on Saturday when they travel to Leicestershire side Kirby Muxloe in the first round of the FA Vase.

Jon Hill’s side have never made it beyond the qualifying rounds previously but booked their place in the competition proper with a 2-1 win against Hinckley AFC last month.

Hill said: “It’s a big game for us and the furthest we have ever got in the competition so we have already broken records.

“Having beaten a team from the league above Kirby Muxloe in the previous round we know that, on our day and if everybody applies themselves, then we have a really good chance. We want to be competitive and give a good account of ourselves against a strong side.

“We have had a good record against Midland Football League teams in cup competitions. It is a much more physical league and Saturday’s game will be on a plastic pitch which will be conducive to how we want to play.

“They are a very physical team, robust and hard-working and they have only lost twice at home this season. If we stick to our game plan, we can make something happen.”

Injuries and suspensions have meant Hill has struggled to field the same side from week to week but he added: “The one thing we have had this season is a good amount of players who can step in when required. We are also at the stage now where the new lads this season know exactly what they are doing having settled in.”