Horsham at home in FA Cup

Stevenage will have to beat Ryman Premier side Horsham if they are to progress into the first round proper of this season’s FA Cup. Horsham beat Paulton Rovers by 2 goals to 1 on Saturday to advance to the 4th qualifying round. They will be looking for a similar run to last season when they reached the 2nd round and took Swansea City to a replay at the Liberty Stadium. Boro, who have been on 1 or 2 cup runs themselves, beat Salisbury at the same stage last season after a replay before being hammered 4-0 against Exeter City.

Horsham play in the same league as the likes of Boreham Wood and Hendon, who we both beat very comfortably in pre-season. Of course pre-season results don’t determine what will happen in a competitive fixture, but this is a game which we should win comfortably. They are currently 15th in the division after a poor start to the season, but have just signed Jean-Michel Sigere on loan in a bid to move up the table. Their manager, John Maggs spoke about the Cup draw;

“I went and watched Stevenage at Eastbourne yesterday and they’re a strong side but I’m sure we’ll do ourselves justice.

If we can get one or two players back then I don’t think the tie is beyond us by any means. At this stage of the competition, any side is going to be difficult to beat but I think that we can be satisfied with the draw.”

Away from the FA Cup, Stevenage Reserves are back in action in midweek when they entertain Luton Town at Broadhall Way on Wednesday night. The reserves will be looking to get back to winning ways after a 3-2 defeat last time out away at Southend United. With the first team back in action on Saturday, I doubt as many recognised players will play so it could be a young side against the Hatters. Some players that may feature could be Anthony Thomas, Peter Vincenti and Ashley Bayes. Luton have had a good start to the Eastern Combination League and are currently in 2nd place, just behind Southend.