ANDY Preece has backed his players to make their own piece of FA Cup history tomorrow, Sunday.
Northwich Victoria take on former Premier League big guns Charlton Athletic in front of ITV’s television cameras, kick off 1.30pm.
And the manager believes his in-form team can join the list of non-league giantkillers.
“We want people to still be talking about us come Monday,” he said.
“One thing is for sure, we’ll give it a real go to beat Charlton. Why not? We can play without pressure because nobody gives us a chance.
“It’s up to us to prove people’s predictions can be wrong.”
Vics extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Marston Road, a match the manager feels they should have won.
Northwich, still only two points above the Blue Square North drop zone, have now not lost in league or cup for two months.
“We’re in great form and should play with confidence on Sunday. I’ve told the players to go out there and give their best and if we catch them on a bad day then who knows what might happen.
“The guys will go through every possible emotion before the game and I’ve no doubt there will be nerves too. But that’s normal.”
Preece said his team’s clash with FC United of Manchester was the biggest match he had been part of since hanging up his boots.
The Addicks’ visit is no more important, he claimed.
“I had a feeling we were on the verge of something big last time,” he said.
“Beating FC United was our ticket to what is happening this weekend. That’s why I still say that beating them was a key moment for us.
“I predicted it could change the club’s fortunes. Perhaps I was right.”
He said he hoped another bumper crowd would turn out at the Victoria Stadium to roar on the home team after more than 2,600 saw them triumph against FC United last month.
“It would be great for the players to be out there in front of another huge crowd,” he said.
“They deserve to enjoy the moment as it’s their hard work and performances on the pitch that have got us this far.
“People shouldn’t stay at home and watch it on the telly, they should get down to the ground and be part of what will be a great occasion for Northwich Victoria.”
Top scorer Mark Danks, already banned along with Simon Grand for the visit of Charlton, was sent off in the second half to earn a further three-matches suspension.
Jon Newby, who scored his first league goal for Northwich at the weekend, and Nat Kerr stand by.
Preece hinted that FA Cup heroes are rarely the players predicted to make the headlines.
“Losing those two is a massive blow, there is no denying that,” he said.
“But it opens a door for somebody else to make a name for themselves on Sunday.”
ITV 1 will broadcast the whole game live from the Victoria Stadium.
Should Sunday’s match end in a draw then Northwich will head to the Valley on Tuesday, November 17, kick off 7.45pm.
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