PERFECT BLEND
Elliot Sandy believes the right mix of youth and experience is key for FA Cup dreamers Stamford
ELLIOT SANDY knows all about giant-killing acts – now he reckons he’s ready to embark on another.
Three years ago, the 31-year-old helped Brackley Town reach the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history with a 1-0 victory over League One Gillingham.
Now, the midfield ace is looking to repeat the feat with Step 4 minnows Stamford when they take on a Hartlepool United side who have recent experience themselves of being on the wrong end of an FA Cup upset.
Belief
Sandy helped lead the Daniels into a maiden first round berth with a remarkable 3-2 replay victory at National League side Wrexham a fortnight ago.
And despite a whopping 94 places separating Stamford from Craig Hignett’s Pools in the Pyramid, the former Northampton Town, Rushden & Diamonds and Kettering ace believes Graham Drury’s men are capable of delivering on the big stage again.
“It’s another massive occasion for everyone involved,” Sandy told
The NLP. “These are the games that every player strives for but never really expect to arrive.
“Yes, it’s a big ask against a fulltime League Two side playing four leagues above us, but it was a big ask against Wrexham as well when we were pegged back to 2-2 from going 2-0 up and going on to win.
“A lot of teams would have faltered in that situation but that Wrexham game has given us belief that we have what it takes to stick in there and show character when the going gets tough. Who’s to say we can’t go and show the same at Hartlepool on Sunday?”
Preparation for the big game, however, has not exactly gone to plan for Drury, whose side have lost their last three matches – including back-to-back cup defeats – a run which has taken them into the bottom three of the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South table, albeit with games in hand.
Experience
But Sandy reckons his experience of the big occasion – coupled with that of team-mates Paul Bastock, Jon Challinor and Delroy Gordon – will help ensure the Daniels are firing on all cylinders against a Hartlepool side, who crashed at home to Non-League Blyth Spartans two years ago.
“We’ve got a nice mix of youth and experience at the club,” Sandy added. “It’s good to have cool heads but also young, excited youngsters who are chomping at the bit.
“Being a part of a cup upset with Brackley was an occasion I’ll never forget and if that experience will help the younger lads then I’ll be more than happy to pass it on.”