Steyning have their work cut-out against Whitehawk

Steyning FC V Horsham FC in the FA Vase (Pic by Jon Rigby) SUS-150211-095410008

The Barrowmen travel to the Enclosed Ground on Tuesday night to face National League South side Whitehawk in the quarter-finals of the prestigious competition.

Town were reinstated after East Grinstead fielded an ineligible player in the last round in their narrow 2-1 win.

Skipper’s side have five wins over higher-division opposition in cups this season, but will have their work cut out against Steve King’s side full of former pro players.

He said: “It certainly is a game we are relishing. I watched the Whitehawk versus Horsham game on Tuesday and it must be said, as expected, Whitehawk are a classy side and we will have our work cut out on the night.

“Ideally, we would love to have faced them in a period of activity. We have only played once since December 12, so it’s not the ideal preparation to have for such a big game.

“That said we will go there as usual with a mind-set to look to give the right performance first, that is the approach we have had in all our other cup games.

“If we do that we will see where the night takes us but it will be a feat and a half to get a result out of this one.

“I will be looking for my players to perform in the right manner and enjoy the night for what it is. Whitehawk are four leagues above us so it’s like Whitehawk taking on a Championship side.”

Town won the competition exactly 30 years ago and Tuesday is another night they are relishing, although Skipper is not getting ahead of himself.

He added: “”Not only are the players looking forward to it but the club as a whole. It`s probably the highest ranked side Steyning have ever faced. That said I understand Steyning won the Sussex Senior Cup in the 1980s, so not too much to live up to!

“Our amazing cup runs will probably come to an end after Tuesday but you never know. Though if it does, we can really knuckle down and get on with climbing the league.”

On loan Jake Chadwick, from Horsham, will be cup tied for the match, meanwhile Town are continuing their search for a couple of new faces including a striker.