Isthmian League

Saunders: “It’s a great game to be involved in”

As Saturday approaches there’s a different feel to this one, an energy so rarely absorbed. As the Hawks parade in Kent once more the focus switches from league to cup, pressure to freedom.

Perched in mid-table in the league above, Folkestone Invicta provide a stiff test for Shaun Saunders’ side, and the manager spoke with the media to discuss his feelings with a place in the FA Trophy First Round Proper at stake.

“I’m excited to be fair! “I’m looking forward to it, we’re all looking forward to it – it’s a great game to be involved in. I think everybody knows that we’re massive underdogs so it’s almost a free hit for us tomorrow.

I don’t think there’ll be too many people expecting us to win so it takes a little bit of pressure of us to be able to go there and express ourselves and enjoy the occasions so who knows? Football’s a funny old game, anything can happen in cup football. But we know we’re under no illusion – we’re underdogs so we’ll have to go up a few gears to get a result there tomorrow that’s for sure.”

With the pressure placed firmly on tomorrow’s hosts, we asked whether that might give Saunders’ players an added expression of freedom and fluidity.

“I hope so! Obviously the league is bread and butter for us; cup football gives you a little bit of timeout from the pressures and demands of the league campaign so yeah, it’s always nice to go to places like Folkestone – it’s a nice ground, great facilities. It’s a tough place to go but it’s a chance to get our wits against a side higher up the pyramid.”

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