St Albans boss Ian Allinson is urging his men to write their names in the history books as he looks forward to their FA Cup second qualifying round tie with Whyteleafe at the weekend.
Saints host the visitors from Sussex at Clarence Park on Saturday and the well-respected manager is aiming for a cup run.
Bostik League Whyteleafe edged past Saltdean United 2-1 in a replay after a 1-1 draw in the preliminary round, before triumphing over Corinthian Casuals by the same score after a 0-0 draw with the famous amateurs in the first qualifying round proper.
And former Arsenal and Luton attacker Allinson – while stressing that he and his side are fully aware of the threat the visitors pose – is dreaming of progression in the world’s oldest knock-out tournament.
Looking forward to the clash, Allinson said: “It will be a tough game. Whyteleafe deserve respect for reaching this stage. They’re a very good, young side and we are well aware of what they can do.
“The FA Cup is a magical competition and I’ve told my squad they have a chance to write their names in the record books of this club.
“This stage is always exciting and we’re looking forward to the game – not least because there is more to come from my team.”
The National League South side sit in ninth position in the table, only a point behind seventh-placed Slough Town in the final play-off spot following an upturn in form, after a stodgy start to the campaign.
St Albans go into the eagerly-awaited clash with Whyteleafe on the back of two wins on the bounce, after an impressive 4-2 victory at East Thurrock earlier this month was followed by a 2-0 win over Concord on Saturday.
Modest Allinson, who reached the 1988 FA Cup semi-final with Luton before the Hatters lost to eventual winners Wimbledon at White Hart Lane, has not shared his memories of that run with his team – nor has he told them about scoring in Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat by Watford at Highbury in the 1987 quarter-finals.
However, Allinson has told his men that they can make a name for themselves by playing well enough to beat Whyteleafe and embark on a run – a wish shared by everyone at the club.
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