For the first time ever, Lordswood will this weekend play in the Second Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup, and it is going to be shown “live” on the BBC! 

Twenty-six attempts since their very first Cup tie in 1999, the Lords (who lost to Thatcham Town in that very first tie) have only ever got past the Preliminary Round twice, in 2001 and 2005.

Nicky Southall’s side have never played in the Second Qualifying Round and speaking to KSN this week, Southall admitted, “It’s an unbelievable day for the Club really to be fair!

“I would imagine that it is for both clubs as I imagine the Sittingbourne camp are saying the same thing. You really do have to sit back and pinch yourself to imagine that Lordswood and Sittingbourne are going to be live on the BBC in the FA Cup, it really is incredible!” 

“It was a great achievement for us to get into this round in the first place, and we know that we are in for a very, very tough game as they have a good manager and good players and are having a good season themselves!

“We played them pre-season and so are aware of everything they have, we have done our due diligence on them, and I am under no illusions that they are going to be more than favourites for the tie. We must be at our sharpest, at our bravest and hopefully lady luck can come our way and who knows get through the game!” 

“FA Cup history gets written every season in every round, so if we could get through to the Third Qualifying Round it would be amazing, but I’m sure that they are saying the same thing, I fully expect a very difficult game.” 

Reflecting on his sides bright start to the new season, Southall told us, “We have had a decent start and I think this last week with this draw and whats gone on, I do think that the boys have looked at the occasion. You can say as much as you want in the dressing room to players to keep your mind on the game in front of you and the League being more important but deep down you know that they have got more than one eye on Saturday.

“For any player to play like on TV is a wonderful experience but for players at this level it is probably a thing of dreams, and everyone is looking forward to it. 

Southall himself during his League career played more than once live in front of TV cameras and even famously once had a contender for the BBC’s goal of the season, scoring a stunner for Gillingham in an FA Cup fifth round tie in front of the Match of the Day cameras and legendary commentator John Motson.

Reflecting on that day back in 2000, the Lordswood boss said, “It comes up every time there’s an FA Cup round,” he joked!

“It was brilliant at the time and is fresh in the memory now and everyone who was at the game and is part of Gillingham’s history and my history in the FA Cup.

“The FA Cup for me growing up as a child was massive, it was never about winning Leagues it was always about winning the FA Cup! I know that Lordswood and Sittingbourne are never going to win it, but it is nice to have a moment in the sun if you do create history or memorable moments especially live on the BBC!”