Ian Dunn is hoping that Pinchbeck United can register their first-ever win in a Football Association (FA) competition on Saturday.
The Knights make the trip to Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Premier Division side Gorleston in the Extra Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday (3pm) on what promises to be a big day for the club.
Pinchbeck suffered disappointing defeats to Rothwell Corinthians (FA Cup) and Woodbridge Town (FA Vase) last season in what was the only real low point of an otherwise exceptional debut season in the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division.
Although they lost 3-1 at Peterborough Northern Star in their opener, player/boss Dunn feels his new-look side are capable of getting a positive result in Great Yarmouth.
He said: “I don’t want to over-egg it, but it’s a big day for everyone at the club.
“We’ve never won an FA game, let alone an FA Cup fixture.
“It’s always exciting to play in the FA Cup, it’s big for the players and the obvious financial rewards are great for the club if we can win the tie, too.
“But we need to stay focused. We’ve got a lot of young players who have not played in the competition before and who are finding their feet at this level.
“I saw positive signs from the team at Star last Friday and I certainly feel we have every chance of getting a result on Saturday.”
Dunn, although happy with his new-look squad, does feel that he needs to add a little more experience to the team.
He cited the leadership qualities shown by captain Nick Bishop in the 3-1 loss at the Branch Bros Stadium as something he needs more of in the dressing room and on the pitch.
“Nick will tell you he’s not the most naturally gifted footballer,” added Dunn. “But he was the stand-out performer for us at Star.
“That’s how you play UCL football and that’s what we need a bit more of.
“I’m looking to get one or two more players in with that kind of experience to help the young lads settle down at this level.”
