There are some mouth-watering ties for our member clubs as the Isuzu FA Trophy reaches the second round proper stage this weekend.
One such takes place at Hadley where the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central high-flyers take on an AFC Telford United outfit that are amongst the leading pack in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central.
The goals of Isaac Stones have helped Hadley sit second in the table with just one defeat from 14 League games and also enjoy this record-breaking FA Trophy run.
“I am loving my football at the moment,” Stones told us without hesitation. “We’ve got a great bunch of lads here; it feels like a family and I couldn’t ask for better people to share the pitch with.
“We have some very special players all over the pitch, which makes my job of scoring goals a lot easier as we create a lot of chances most games.
“I think we’ve surprised a few by picking up from where we left off last season. We’ve dropped off a little recently, but I’m sure we will be somewhere near the top by the end of the season.
“Personally I feel very happy to be leading the line for the club, to be close to reaching my tally of 25 last season by November feels great but I know I have so many areas of improvement I can add to take my game to the next level.
“We’re all buzzing to still be in the FA Trophy. Someone told me the other day I was top scorer in the competition, so that gives me an extra incentive to do well and add to the tally.
“AFC Telford will be the best team we have faced so far and we are certainly the underdogs going into Saturday’s game, but this is when we play our best. We’ve beaten a few Step 3 sides this season, so hopefully we can continue this streak.”
We asked Stones about how he feels that Division One Central is shaping up.
“The League is very competitive again this year,” he continued. “Real Bedford, Flackwell Heath and Berkhamsted have all increased the standard of this division, and recent results have shown that there are no easy games. Anyone can beat anyone and that makes it very difficult to win each game, but also means you cherish three points more.
“The aim for us is to finish in the play-off places; if we can achieve this, we will fancy our chances to go on and win them. I’d love to help the team finish in the top five and my personal target is to finish top scorer in the League as well.
“This won’t be easy as there are some very prolific strikers, but If I stay fit I believe I’ll be up there.”
Elsewhere in the second round, managerless Alvechurch host Chasetown, the in-form Chertsey Town go to higher level Bath City, a trip to Coleshill Town awaits Biggleswade Town, whilst Hanwell Town are also on the road as they head down to Folkestone Invicta.
It’s home advantage for Gosport Borough against Tonbridge Angels and Royston Town as they host Rushall Olympic. There’s a big local derby for Halesowen Town as they go to Kidderminster Harriers, whilst Lewes is the destination for AFC Totton.
There’s an away draw for Havant & Waterlooville at Welling United as Winchester City host Sittingbourne and Yate Town welcome Havant & Waterlooville.
IMAGE: Hadley FC
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