On Saturday Erith Town visit Haringey Borough in the F.A. Cup second qualifying round. 

Getting this far equals their best ever run in the tournament but it will require a giant killing act for the Dockers to make further history.

Their campaign started with a three-one win at Hassocks.  After going behind early, the Dockers were ahead at the interval thanks to goals from Alex Nelson and Louis Valencia. In the second half Adam Molloy saved a penalty and a late Valencia goal ensured their progress.

Next up was a trip to Loxwood where, ultimately, they were happy to come away with a draw. The hosts took an early lead and although Erith pushed and pushed it was beginning to look like it would not be their day until Dan Nash popped up with an equaliser with nine minutes remaining.

However, they had no problem in the replay. Steadman Callendar’s hat-trick and a goal from Adrian Stone, all before half time, helped them cruise to a four-one victory.

Having negotiated the preliminary rounds, they went one better in the first qualifying round with a five-one win at Spelthorne Sports. Goals came from Jack Duffy, Nelson (2), Jason Goodchild, and Stone.

Cup rewards aren’t the only joy for the Dockers at present. Their work with young players has also been successful with eighteen year old Ken Charles being offered a development contract at Colchester United following six weeks training with the Essex club pre-season.

Charles made twenty-three appearances, nine starts and fourteen off the bench, last season, scoring three times. Now he has an opportunity to progress his career within Colchester’s academy system.

Image courtesy of Joe Deveney