Boss Pat Rayment admits that he and his Spalding United side are gunning for a place in the first round proper of The Emirates FA Cup.
The Tulips are hot favourites to advance from Saturday’s third qualifying round clash with step five outfit Sporting Khalsa on Saturday (3pm) – and if they can clear that hurdle they’ll be just one more win away from a potential tie with a Football League side.
Keen to put last weekend’s “bizarre” 5-4 FA Trophy defeat at Newcastle Town behind them, Rayment is wary of the threat offered by underdogs Khalsa.
The Willenhall-based outfit, currently seventh in the Midlands Premier Division, dumped out Spalding’s Evo-Stik League First Division South rivals Basford Town in the last round.
The Tulips chief knows his side should progress, but he’s warned them that they are in for a real battle.
“There’s no point in anyone at the club dwelling on last weekend,” said Rayment. “A strong defence has been the cornerstone of my time here, so – hopefully – that was just a blip.
“I’ve decided to sweep it under the carpet and write it off as a one-off.
“What has been very encouraging is the attitude shown by the lads since the defeat. They’ve all made it clear that they want to reach the first round proper – and that would give us a real chance of pulling a big fish out of the hat.
“That’s not to say we’re looking past Saturday. If you look at the tie, it’s one we’re expected to win – we’re a step three side looking for promotion and they are in step five.
“It’s not a prestige tie for us, but it’s a good draw. But make no mistake, it won’t be an easy tie.
“We’ve had them watched a few times and know what we’re up against. For them to go to Basford and get a win says it all really.
“If we go there and play how I know we can, we should win. We’ll need to match them in every area – and if we do that, I know my side is good enough to progress.
“My record as a manager in cup games isn’t the best, but I can’t remember us going out of a competition to a side ranked lower than us.
“I certainly hope it doesn’t go to penalties, I’ve never won a shoot-out as a player or manager!”
As well as potentially drawing a big side in the next round or two, winning on Saturday would earn the Tulips a significant £7,500 in FA prize money.
Spalding will be under-strength for the trip to the Aspray Arena, though. David Bell, Jake Newman and Charley Sanders are all cup tied, while striker Michael Frew has left the club.
That means 16-year-old youngster Jonny Lockie will be in the squad. The teenager, from Moulton Chapel, has impressed Tulips chief Rayment with some impressive displays in the under-18 squad since arriving at the club this summer.
Lockie has also made his mark with Spalding United’s Reserve team – and Rayment insists the player is ready.
He said: “He’s got a real eye for goal. I manage him in the under-18 side and he just scores for fun.
“He then went on to men’s football with the Reserves and it hasn’t changed him one bit.
“He’s in the squad on merit. When he gets through on goal he knows exactly what to do – not many players have that ability in their locker.”
Lockie represented Crowland Town, Pinchbeck United and Holbeach United at youth level before joining Spalding.
Should Saturday’s game end in a draw, there will be a replay at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Tuesday night.
That would replace the scheduled home Evo-Stik League First Division South date with Coalville Town (7.45pm).
