Rob Clarke ahead of FA Cup tie at AFC Wulfrunians
The Mikes look to continue their winning ways as they visit West Midlands League Champions AFC Wulfrunians, in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON.
Rob Clarke looked ahead to the game: “After a decent start in the league, we are excited about the FA Cup this weekend. There is always a bit of magic about the FA competitions, and it’s always nice to pit your wits against different opposition.”
However, that was very close to not being the case. AFC Wulfrunians were initially accepted into the Aspire MFA after being crowned West Midlands League Champions last season. However, after ending their ground sharing arrangement with Wolverhampton Casuals to return ‘home’ to Castlecroft, they were denied promotion on ground grading issues.
Clarke admitted this could add spice to the tie. “After winning the league and thinking they had secured promotion, I'm sure that they will be keen to prove a point. It's nothing to do with us really, but as the first MFA side they have faced since, I’d expect there to be some extra fire. It's not a major issue, just something we need to be aware of and deal with.”
“I prefer to focus on continuing the good habits from the first two league fixtures and brushing up on the minor points we have identified”.
The Mikes need no reminder of how tricky ties against so-called 'lower league' teams can be, crashing out at the first hurdle of last year's competition at Midland Combination side Southam United. Clarke recalled “we went to Southam with maximum points from our opening two league games last year, so we need no reminder that it counts for nothing in the FA Cup. We remember it well, so that will help to sharpen our focus.”
“They won their league last year and we know they are a very good side, so we will not underestimate them. We will have to be on our game to get a result. It should be a cracker!”
The Mikes will definitely be without unfortunate striker Mark Mason, who broke his metatarsal in Tuesday's 5-0 win over Highgate United.
If Saturday's contest ends in a draw, the tie will be replayed at the Trevor Brown Memorial Ground this Tuesday 18th August, kicking off at 7.30pm.
