Jason Ainsley watched his Spennymoor Town side earn a spot in Emirates FA Cup history against Radcliffe Borough in the previous round and he has urged his men to make more memories against Whitby Town on Saturday.
Moors’ goalkeeper Dan Lowson became an internet sensation after he fired in an 80-yard free-kick as Ainsley’s men claimed a 5-3 first round qualifying win away to Radcliffe.
With Spennymoor yet to make the first round proper in their brief history, Ainsley is aware that the major goal is in sight as they prepare to take on Northern Premier League Premier Division rivals Whitby Town at the Brewery Field.
Spennymoor Town v Whitby Town
The Emirates FA Cup
Second Round Qualifying
3pm, Saturday 17 September 2016
The Brewery Field, Spennymoor Town
Winners receive £4500 from prize fund
By David Bates
Click here for fixtures
But Ainsley is all too aware of the trials and tribulations of The FA Cup, having experiencing the delirium of potential victory and devastation of a loss in a heartbeat against AFC Telford in 2014, leaving him conscious of the need to perform at their absolute best for 90 minutes.
"We have underachieved in The FA Cup," explained the 46-year-old.
"Two years ago we were 2-0 up in the last qualifying game against Telford and they scored twice in injury time and then won the replay.
"Until the 92nd minute, that was my best FA Cup memory and then it went from my best memory to an absolute nightmare!
"That was a massive kick in the teeth, absolutely devastating, but there is usually a team in the north-east that does well and I am hoping that is us this year.
"We have had a bit of history because Dan scored from his own box, but for me the pressure is on to perform – it is good money in The FA Cup for the early rounds, it is nice to bring a bit of money into the club.
"We are playing well, we won 5-1 last week, we scored five the week before but there is that extra motivation to well in The FA Cup.
"We’re on a good run of form, but so are Whitby and I think it will be a fantastic game."
Ainsley won The FA Vase with Spennymoor at Wembley Stadium in 2013
Emirates FA Cup history
Spennymoor Town enjoyed the best run in their 10-year history last term when they reached fourth round qualifying, before losing a replay to AFC Telford United. They have been to Wembley Stadium though as Ainsley guided Town to an FA Vase victory in 2013, when they beat Tunbridge Wells 2-1 in the Final.
Whitby boast a proud FA Cup history, having twice reached The FA Cup second round, first in 1983-84 and then again in 1985-86.
Like Spennymoor, Whitby have also lifted a trophy at Wembley – in 1997 they also won The FA Vase after beating North Ferriby United 3-0 in the showpiece Final.
Did you know?
Spennymoor Town began life as two separate clubs – Evenwood Town and Spennymoor United. When Spennymoor United folded in 2005, and with uncertainty surrounding Evenwood’s future, the two merged and formed the current club, playing at United’s Brewery Field.
Whitby’s triumphant 1996-97 FA Vase season was in fact a double winning year. Under legendary manager Harry Dunn, they came from behind in the Northern League title race to pip near neighbours Billingham Synthonia. Dunn also oversaw a remarkable run to the first round of The FA Cup where they took on Hull City in Scarborough which after a 0-0 draw, ended in a replay at Boothferry Park. Dunn’s men led 4-3 until the dying moments and Hull went on to win 8-4 in extra time.
One to watch
Glen Taylor bagged a hat-trick against Rushall Olympic at the weekend and looks a razor-sharp addition to Ainsley’s attacking line. The Moors have scored 10 goals in their last two games and Ainsley could not be happier with their form ahead of the clash with Whitby.
"Glen came out of nowhere, he hadn’t started a game, he has been knocking on the door and we decided to throw him in last week and he came up trumps," revealed Ainsley.
"We have a real good squad and it is hard to keep everyone happy, I think it is the best squad I have ever inherited at the club.
"Everyone is desperate to play. Glen did really well, Mark Anderson who played really well has scored a few goals."
The Prize
A spot in third round qualifying and £4500 from the prize pot of awaits the winner.
