City set for FA Cup tie against fellow Saints
St Albans joint managers James Gray and Graham Golds. Picture: Bob Walkley - Credit: Archant
St Albans City joint boss James Gray is hoping for an FA Cup run, starting on Saturday, that will boost his club’s finances enabling him to dip into the transfer market.
City host Vanarama Conference North side Brackley Town at Clarence Park in the third round qualifying clash with the winners scooping £7,500 in prize-money.
Last season St Albans enjoyed a winning streak in the competition which saw them reach the first round proper where their adventure was ended with an 8-1 loss to Sky Bet League Two side Mansfield Town.
Speaking to Saintsnet about the importance of a cup win, Gray said: “It would be useful because it will help us get some money in the bank.
“Then we might be able to look around and see if there’s anything we can do in the transfer market.
“If the right player becomes available then the club might allow us to spend a bit of that money.”
City go into the clash on the back of two Conference South defeats, 2-0 to Chelmsford City on Saturday and 2-1 at Boreham Wood on Monday, so Gray is not taking the game lightly.
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“We are not taking anything for granted, that £7,500 is well in the balance,” he said.
“I went to watch Brackley last week down at Farnborough in the replay and again they’re going to be a very tough object to try move.”
Despite Monday’s league loss at Boreham Wood, Gray was pleased with his side’s battling qualities after they played the entire second half with 10 men following Darren Locke’s red card at the end of the first period.
“We’ve got a real fighting spirit back from tonight (Monday),” added Gray.
“That will stand us in good stead going in to Saturday.”
Saturday’s game kicks-off at 3pm.
