Crawley Town boss John Yems wants team to set it's own bit of FA Cup history as they take on Torquay United

On that journey they beat Torquay United away - and on Sunday they make that same trip.

So the omens are good then? Not according to manager John Yems - who wants this side to set their own bit of history.

When asked about the good omens, he said: “I don’t believe in that cobblers, it’s a different time, different eras. We have got to do what we have got to do and let’s set our own bit of history. We can only influence what’s in front of us.”

If Crawley do make it through, Yems says not having the fans there will take the shine off it.

He said: “It’s good for everyone but when you have got no people coming in to watch it take the gloss off it.”

That view is shared by technical director Erdem Konyar. He said: “That’s one downside [of this season]. To go to Oldham and win our first away game for 13 months and the fans weren’t there to see it.

“Our fans have been travelling away for over a year and seeing us get lose, draw, lose, lose, draw, I really feel for them. They put a lot of effort into it. Without them we are nothing. It’s sad to not have them with us at the moment.”

But Konyar believes the FA Cup is not as important as it has been in previous years.

He said: “It’s very important because of the prize money. But we are facing and indifferent season, so the cup is not as important financially because even if you get a Premier League side you are not going to get the gate money.

“In a financially stricken season it is important; however I think our priority must be the league.”

The Reds faced Walsall last night (Tuesday) but are now preparing for the trip to Devon - which Yems had feared could be in doubt with the new lockdown restrictions.

He said: “I am not a politician. You have just got to do what you are told. You have got to be ready for everything.”

After Torquay, Reds face Ipswich Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night - which will make it ten games in four weeks. Yems said: “Every club is in the same boat. You would rather be playing than train.”

George Francomb (arm injury) and Jake Hesketh (suspension) are out.