By Matthew Sweeting
Harrogate Town travel to Billericay in a quest to book their place in the quarter finals of the FA Trophy, where a home tie against Wealdstone awaits.
Saturday’s fixture at the CNG ended all square, after Adam Cunnington’s leveller with 20 minutes remaining secured the replay.
The Blues will be delighted with their efforts to bring Town back to Essex, considering Harrogate are a league above and a full time club.
2-2 against a really good side Harrogate, full time well organised league above us, lads were brilliant, another assist and 90 mins feeling stronger every game, bring on Tuesday, thanks to all the fans that made the long trip 💙 @BTFC
— Jamie Ohara (@Mrjamieohara1) February 3, 2018
This is the first time ever the first two clubs have reached the last 16 of the competition which makes this a historic fixture for both sides.
Billericay Town Head Coach, Harry Wheeler said: “We know the task we have ahead tonight against a good side will require us to be at our best if we are to progress to the quarter finals.
Our lads will be concentrated and confident and will leave everything they have on the pitch at the final whistle.”
Billericay will be running high on confidence as they sit at the top of the Isthmian Premier and are on an impressive unbeaten run of 19 games, winning 17.
It is no secret that Billericay boast a squad which is punching below its weight, funded by local millionaire Glenn Tamplin. High profile players such as Jamie O’Hara, Jermaine Pennant and Paul Konchesky signing for the Essex side in the last year, all of which were Premier League regulars.
Harrogate boss Simon Weaver admitted after Saturday’s game that Billericay are better than the league they reside:
“They’ve got a good strike force and wide men, the whole team is pretty solid. You can see why they’re going to win their league, without a doubt.
We’re looking forward to another bite at the cherry, we need to play a more all round game on Tuesday, getting the ball down and playing slicker football.”
Jamie O’Hara could be in line for a start after coming on at half time and picking up the man of the match award.
New signing Callum Butcher will be looking to make his home debut for the club after joining on loan from League Two Mansfield Town last week.
Harrogate will be hoping top scorer Joe Leesley will be fit, after scoring two goals on Saturday and looks to be in the form of his life.