STAMFORD secured their place in the FA Cup first round for the first time in their history after shocking Wrexham on Tuesday night – and the victory may also help get the squad to America!
The Step 4 Daniels drew 1-1 against the National League side on Saturday, missing late chances to win the original tie, which meant a replay in north Wales.
A Lee Beeson penalty and Kern Miller’s half-volley put Graham Drury’s side ahead but late strikes from Shaun Harrad and Jordan Evans, who equalised in the 92nd minute, looked to have knocked the stuffing out of the visitors.
But the Daniels showed great spirit to recover and win the tie in extra time thanks to Jake Duffy’s 20-yard free-kick.
Stamford now face a trip to League Two side Hartlepool United on Saturday, November 5, and the victory at the Racecourse has put Drury and his squad closer to a visit… to America!
Drury said: “I don’t know if it has sunk in yet. I thought we’d done it in the 90 minutes but to concede in the 92nd minute was a massive blow.
“They are three divisions above us so we had to make things scrappy. My boys never gave up and that’s a sign of great character.
“At the end of full time, I just patted the players on the chest and asked them how big their hearts were. They ran the extra mile, they chased, they hassled and it’s been a fantastic adventure.
“Definitely (we can beat Hartlepool), 100 per cent. I’ve got no doubt in my mind we can beat them. We’ve got to be ugly, we’ve got to have a game plan and we’ve got to be in their faces.
“There’s a great belief in the changing room. We’re on a bonus for the FA Cup and we’re determined to go to America!
“We’ve got nearly £2,000 at the minute and I’ll be saying to the chairman that if we beat Hartlepool, I want another five grand to go into the players’ pot. America is our aim.”
