FA Cup Preview – Stones v Haringey Borough

The magical aura of the FA Cup lights up Grosvenor Vale again on Saturday when Essex Senior League Haringey Borough are the visitors in the Second Qualifying Round.

Whilst Stones would have been pleased to have received another home tie for the 2^nd Qualifying Round and facing a side two steps below in the football pyramid, they will be all too well aware of the potential for an upset. The Cup, as ever, is no respecter of status or league form.

Haringey knocked our neighbours Wembley FC out of the FA Cup in the 1st Qualifying Round, 2-0 at Vale Farm with a pair of headers from goal scoring right-back Charles Douse. The Essex Senior League side are having a very decent start to the season but when you look at their playing squad you realise that they have some experienced and very capable players – several well known in Ryman League circles.  

They boast players such as Dewayne Clarke, Dean Fenton, Steve Obeng and a prolific forward particularly well known to Stones fans: Darrell Cox. Former Harrow Borough man Fenton is in good form at present and scored a hat-trick from his midfield berth against Wellingborough Town of the UCL Premier Division in the FA Vase last week with striker teammate Cox weighing in with two goals to destroy the South Midlands side 6-2.

Wealdstone will once again have to be on full alert to negotiate this tricky hurdle following last Monday’s eventful drawn game with league rivals Lewes. Stones will be reviewing their injured list but the signs are that Jerome Okimo and Glen Little are near to be able to resume joining the squad but this clash may still be too soon. New signing Jonny Wright is eligible for the Cup but defender Tom Hamblin, who joined this week from Gloucester City, is unavailable at present due to work commitments.

The winners of this tie will receive £4,500 from the FA’s Prize Fund.

Saturday’s kick-off at Grosvenor Vale is the usual 3pm and note that this game is an ALL-PAY on the day event.