Linnets boss looking for some FA Cup magic

An FA Cup run can be a brilliant thing for a club, it can add some impetus and confidence to the team, as well as some much-needed cash.

However, it can also lead to a fixture pile-up, which in turn can lead to injuries and fatigue, and leave fans facing massive trips for replays hundreds of miles away.

But right now, Linnets manager Mark Hughes will be hoping the competition serves as a welcome distraction following his side’s dismal start in the National League North.

Hughes’ side host Aveley in the second qualifying round at The Walks tomorrow and the first-ever meeting between the two sides takes on extra significance for Lynn on the back of last weekend’s 4-1 home defeat to Southport.

Looking ahead to the tie, Hughes said: “I know it’s only the second qualifying round but yeah I think it could look at distraction from the league which is certainly a good thing.

“We’ve had a really difficult start with all the draws and three defeats but yeah it’s a nice distraction.

“This club loves FA Cup runs and the fans love the cup and hopefully that won’t look at the Southport result in too much depth and come out in force and support us.

“You saw how much their support lifted us against Brackley where we weren’t quite able to get the win.

“It doesn’t take away the fact that we’ll have to look at the league table for two weeks now, which will hurt even more, but the next game is the most important at the moment.

“The game gives us a big opportunity to put things right. The lads are going to be hurting all of this week because Adrian (Whitbread) and myself are. We’ve got to take responsibility and the players have got to take responsibility.”

Lynn are set to boosted by the return of full-backs Tom Clifford and Kian Ronan while midfielder Cameron Hargreaves came on as a second-half substitute against Southport.

Aveley are known as The Millers as a result of playing at the Mill Field from 1952.

Having achieved two consecutive promotions the club is making their debut in the National League South this season and have acquitted themselves very well at the higher level.

So far this season they have beaten the likes of Torquay United, Maidstone United, Eastbourne Borough and Taunton Town – teams expected to do well this campaign – and their leading marksman, with five goals, is Siju Odelusi.

Prize money available tomorrow is £3,375 for the winners and £1,125 for the losers.