BEXHILL United aim to make club FA Cup history when they take on Surrey outfit Raynes Park Vale in the FA Cup preliminary round on Saturday.
The Pirates have never progressed beyond the preliminary rounds before, but if they are to clear that hurdle, they will need to pull off a classic giant-killing act against opponents who sit a level above them in the non-league football pyramid.
The game, which kicks off at 3pm, is technically a home draw for Bexhill but will be played at Eastbourne Town’s Saffrons ground as the club are unable to play at their Polegrove home until the cricket season ends.
In the last round, Bexhill came from behind to beat Sheerwater 3-1 with 16-year-old Theo Coombs firing the final goal and writing his own name in record books as United’s youngest-ever scorer and one of the youngest in the competition’s history.
Bexhill go into the game in good spirits after a fine start to the season, unbeaten in their first three games with two wins and a draw, but they know Raynes Park Vale will pose a tough challenge.
Bexhill manager Jay Skinner-Swain said: “With the start to the season we have had, confidence in the group is growing and with the belief that we still have more to show, we are extremely excited for this match up. We also have the extra carrot of having the chance to make Bexhill United history by going the furthest in the FA Cup ever in the club’s history.
“Raynes Park Vale come here with a strong start to the season behind them also. So, this promises to be a great cup tie with two teams looking to impress.”
