After three Evo-Stik League First Division South wins on the spin, Spalding United’s sights now turn to the FA Trophy and an away date with Soham Town Rangers on Saturday (3pm).
That sees boss Pat Rayment reunited with former team-mate Steve Fallon, who is in charge of the Greens and goes back more than 30 years with the Spalding supremo.
Soham, who are sitting fifth in the Ryman League North, will offer the Tulips a significant test. Wins against Gresley (2-1), Coalville Town (2-1) and Rainworth Miners Welfare (4-1) in recent weeks ensure that the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field side are full of confidence, though.
An upbeat Rayment is looking forward to seeing his old friend Fallon, albeit in a competition that he admits will prove a tough one for his side.
He said: “It’ll be good to see Steve. Soham are doing OK and so are we – so it’ll be a hard game.
“We’re obviously among the bottom ranked teams in this tournament and it’s not one we can aim to win if I’m honest.
“But we’ll try and go as far as we can. My team can give anyone a game on their day.”
Top scorer Andrew Tidswell could return for the Tulips after missing Tuesday’s 4-1 win at Rainworth MW
with a tight hamstring.
New signings Jordan Nuttell – who made his debut in attack on Tuesday night after joining from Boston Town – and keeper Alex Pycock, signed from rivals Loughborough Dynamo, should both be in the squad.
Striker Mark Jones won’t feature, having been loaned out to former club Boston United in a deal that could see him spent up to three months at York Street.
Should the sides draw, they will replay at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Tuesday night. The winners will pocket £2,500 and a trip to either Leek Town or Bedworth United in the next round.
