Ascot United’s Emirates FA Cup quest continues this Saturday as they bid to make history at Hythe Town (3pm) (Reachfields Stadium, Fort Road, Hythe CT21 6JS).
The Yellamen, who have never been beyond the first qualifying round stage, will need to overcome step-four opposition in Kent if they are to reach the second qualifying round.
But the visitors, who showed incredible spirit to fight back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Risborough Rangers in the last round, will be unphased having also beaten higher-ranked opponents during pre-season.
And, the Ascot United Allied U18 side set the tone for their senior counterparts on Thursday with a fine 2-0 FA Youth Cup win at Holmer Green; Tyrell Markman and Ollie Graham on target.
Back to Saturday and Hythe, playing in the Isthmian League South East, were well beaten by Kent rivals Ramsgate on Bank Holiday Monday as The Rams beat them 3-0 in front of a crowd of 264. The result leaves Hythe in 16th, having enjoyed one win on the road.
For the record, Hythe’s FA Cup record has been meagre in recent seasons – failing to get beyond the 2nd qualifying round for a decade despite their step-four status – and their best run was without a doubt their 2010/11 run to the first round proper. In that season, they won the Kent County League to jump to step four, and their FA Cup run saw them beat Bookham, Deal, Epsom, Erith, Concord and Staines before Hereford United finally ended their heroics.
A coach will leave The Racecourse at 11am on Saturday. Match reporting will be remote this weekend.