Following the draw on Monday evening for the First Round Proper of the Emirates FA Cup, The Millers will face a trip to National League South outfit Havant & Waterlooville.
It’s a tie that Club captain and goalkeeper Andy Walker admits to having “mixed emotions” about, along with other members of the squad.
“I think first and foremost it’s winnable, similar to the Maidenhead tie really, and it isn’t a bad draw if you go and win it. The draw’s only as good or bad as your performance on the day when you play it.
“The boys would have wanted the biggest Club that they could get, and given that there will be no fans, you’d want them away. But it wasn’t to be so let’s go there and win and get that in the second round.
As we’ve learned over the last few years, anything can happen and we’re still a part of it.”
Walkers’ deputy and one of the heroes at Maidenhead, Joe Docherty, was equally upbeat, while remaining realistic.
“I think it’s a great draw. We have shown our character and what we can achieve. We do have to be realistic and understand the possibilities. The FA cup is made for upsets and we have the quality and ability within the squad.
“Of course we knew there were big teams in the draw, but we also knew non- league teams were in it too. It’s the FA Cup and I know we can do this!”
Goalkeeping coach Craig Gibson would also have preferred a tie against “a really big Club in ‘normal times’ i.e. fans allowed”, while agreeing that “it will be tough, but so was Maidenhead, and it was winnable”.
“What I would say is that we have come this far in the competition yet actually not really achieved anything of substance. So that’s the incentive for the boys to go further”.
Midfielder Hassan Ibrahiym admitted to feeling “A bit disheartened , especially coming off the win at Maidenhead”, while agreeing it was “definitely a winnable draw so the boys will be raring to go.
“Concentration goes back to our bread and butter which is the league, with a must win game at Whitstable”.
“I felt it was a game that had everything – two goals down, penalty saved and then scoring the winner in the final minute.”
“These moments are ones to be cherished by everyone associated with the Club.
“We are a small Club with a big heart. It’s an incredible achievement by the players.
“I didn’t think there was the gulf between the two sides that is often assumed. Once our players recognised that, I felt we were more fluid with our decision making and collective performance.
“As well as some excellent performances, most pleasing for the management team was the character shown at pivotal moments of the game.
“I believe that weaker characters would have “thrown the towel in” when 2-0 down, or later in the game looked to settle for a draw and go to penalties.”
One downside of the Cup run has seen The Millers trailing in 5th position in the League table, with just 5 points from the four fixtures played.
“Attention needs to turn back to the League campaign where results have not been as desired. We cannot afford any psychological hangover from this high, as so often seen in sport” added Watson.
Image courtesy of Dave Cumberbatch