The Isuzu FA Trophy

Farnborough boss ecstatic after 'back to the wall' job

Sunday 11 Jan 2015
The FA Trophy
Farnborough manager Spencer Day admits he is “ecstatic” to still be in The FA Trophy ahead of Monday night’s replay with Maidenhead United.

Day’s side fought to a 2-2 draw on Saturday away to the Magpies despite having to play nearly an hour with ten men after Darryl Siaw received his marching orders for a second bookable offence – and the boss was delighted to see his men overcome a tough task at York Road and notch a late equaliser.

The winners will be at home to North Ferriby United in the Third Round.

Speaking to BBC Surrey after the draw, Day said: “We’re ecstatic to still be in the Trophy. To play 57 minutes with ten men it was backs to the wall.

Farnborough v Maidenhead United

The FA Trophy
Second Round Proper
7.45pm, Monday 12 January
Paddy Power Park
Winners play North Ferriby United

“When Maidenhead get two quick goals you fear the worst. We’ve only got one striker left on the pitch and you just think that Maidenhead have grounded us down. And give them a lot of credit."

Day’s men would not go down lightly, however, and with only two minutes remaining Adam Brice pounced to level and seal a Replay at Paddy Power Park.

“My group of youngsters, they’re fantastic,” said Day. “They get a set piece and nab a Replay and we’re still in it and considering how long we’ve played with ten men; that’s fantastic character."

Despite the re-run of the contest falling only two days after the original tie, Day says his men are determined to not “mess up” their chance of a cup run.

“I’m sure they’re [Maidenhead are] as tired as we are. It’s an exhausted dressing room and we’ve got to pick everybody up again and go again within 46 hours.

“I don’t think about worrying about the next round [at the moment]. We’ve got to deal with a very strong Maidenhead team and you look at their bench compared to ours – the quality and experience they’ve got there. And they may have a couple more fit for Monday.

“We’ve just got to deal with it. Maidenhead are a very strong side but it’s another opportunity.

“We’ve worked so hard to give ourselves another opportunity; we’ve got to make sure that we don’t mess that up.”

By FA Staff