Realistic Pinchbeck United manager Lewis Thorogood admits that his side have pulled one of the toughest draws in the Extra Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The Knights welcome Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North rivals Skegness Town to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Saturday (3pm) for a Lincolnshire derby date, with Thorogood adamant that his new-look charges are big underdogs.
Skegness, who have just secured promotion to Step Five of the non-league ladder, have gone on an impressive recruitment drive over the summer and have signed the likes of Jenk Acar, Jonny Lockie and Danny Brooks over the summer – with all three former Spalding United players.
They beat Holbeach United 3-0 in their season’s opener on Wednesday, and Thorogood rates them as genuine title contenders this season, but is keen for his side to shake off the recent stigma of league whipping boys that Pinchbeck have collected after two difficult campaigns that have seen them somewhat saved by COVID-19 curtailments.
“Let’s not kid ourselves, this is as hard a draw as we could have been given at this stage of the competition,” admitted Thorogood, who is ready for his first full season as boss. “Skegness will be among the top three in the league, you’d imagine.
“They seem to have a good budget and have recruited very well. A lot of their players have experience of playing at a higher level, including a number with Spalding United links.
“I don’t want to roll out any cliches, but we’ve got to make home advantage count and approach the game with no fear.
“I want the lads to enjoy playing football again and enjoy playing football in front of a crowd again.
“It’s something of a derby, so I’m hopeful that the fans will turn out and make it a good occasion.
“We’ve been building this side for a while now and we’re looking to shake off that negative stigma that has been associated with Pinchbeck over the past few years. There’s no getting away from the fact we’re a young side, but we’re a good side that will have no fear, has strong characters in the dressing room and will look to go out and win.
“My message to them will be to enjoy the game, after what has happened over the past few years it’s just great to be getting back to business again.”
Pinchbeck ended their pre-season with a 3-1 defeat against Moulton Harrox on Friday night. Luke Gardner, Josh Ford and Joe Townsend netted for Harrox at Knight Street, while Jake Knight pulled one back from the spot.
The Knights also got their Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North campaign up and running with a home game against Sleaford on Wednesday earning a creditable 1-1 draw, Enoch Opayinka netting for Pinchbeck.
