HARBOROUGH TOWN | DAIRE TO DREAM

History is being made in the Emirates FA Cup first round proper

It may not have been the most glamourous of draws, but Harborough Town are enjoying creating history with their first-ever appearance in the first round proper of the Emirates FA Cup.

The Pitching In Southern League Premier Central new-boys saw their 1-0 victory over Bury at the weekend earn them a trip to Tonbridge Angels in the draw that was made on Monday evening.

“We were one of the last balls to come out and there were still a couple of big clubs left, including Birmingham City” said front-man, Tendai Daire. “That’s just the luck of the draw, though, and now our focus is on making further progress in the competition.

“It’s an amazing feeling and achievement to get this far. It’s something that non-League clubs dream about and to do it the way we have feels so special.

“I’ve been with the club since we were at Step 5 and now to be in Step 3 and looking forward to a first round proper tie in the FA Cup, it’s just fantastic.

“The Premier Central is certainly a tough League, but you want to be involved at this level because the competition is better and there are some big games.

“As a player you always want to be coming up against the best teams and players and this season has given us all that chance. I am really enjoying my football and the challenge that each game provides.

“It’s fair to say that we’re still finding our feet, but we have adapted well to our new surroundings and we will continue to learn.

“To finish in the top ten would be a real achievement and personally, I go into every season aiming to score 30 goals. That hasn’t changed just because we’ve moved up a level; I always set my standards high and never shy away from a challenge.”

Harborough Town have ten points to their name from their opening nine League games this season and beat Darlaston Town following a replay, Stourbridge, Leamington and Bury to reach the Emirates FA Cup first round proper. They head to Stourbridge on League business on Tuesday evening.

Elsewhere in the Emirates FA Cup draw, Kettering Town have a trip to local Football League club, Northampton Town, to look forward to, whilst if Taunton Town can overcome Maidenhead United in their replay, a home tie with Sky Bet League One outfit, Crawley Town, awaits.

IMAGE: Harborough Town FC

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