Cray Valley PM go into their FA Cup Second Qualifying Round replay against Northwood with the carrot of a trip to manager Steve McKimm’s former club Carshalton Athletic in the next round. 

But as McKimm told KSN himself, Valley will have to be focused to get past Northwood first in Tuesday’s replay.

“It was long journey at the weekend, and it took me over two and a half hours because of the traffic – it was a horrible journey.”

“Northwood are a good side who we had watched, and they kept fighting back against us and it could have gone against us at the end. But in the end, we have gone away, got a draw and are still in the Cup!” 

“I can say that we have learned a lot, but it is another Cup game and I felt that we showed a few nerves at the start on Saturday as the boys want to do so well for the Club and they want to get through.”

“There were a few nerves but hopefully they will know now what they are up against. Northwood will know the same and we can be a little calmer than we were on Saturday.” 

Monday’s draw has sent the winners of the tie away to Isthmian Premier League side Carshalton Athletic – the side who parted ways with McKimm and his management team last season.

“We’ve got to get through first,” the Valley boss said, but added, “if we do it is a fantastic game for us, going back to where we were last year, they have recruited well and started well and are high up in their league.”

“We will prepare the same way – there will be no extra stuff on it because I managed them last year, but this year it will just be another game of football – and that is the way I have treated everything in my career as you just play your next game and carry on.” 

“Why there is the extra spice of trying to beat a club that you were once a player for or once a manager, I find it ridiculous as I want to win every game and I don’t give an extra ten or fifteen percent because it’s a club that I used to play for or manage – just want to win every game as if you do, then you’re not worth your weight in gold because you’re cheating yourself.”