CHRIS IS RELISHING HIS TRIP INTO THE UNKNOWN
AFC Liverpool boss Chris Anderson is excited for the so-called ‘local derby’ as his side prepare to make the historic Vase trip to first-time entrants FC Isle of Man.
The Step 6 Little Reds will become the first side to make a competitive journey into the unknown at Douglas on September 19 for their first qualifying round tie against the Ravens.
The success of Guernsey and last year’s Step 6 100 per cent first-timers Jersey Bulls make FC Isle of Man a serious threat but having only been denied a shot at promotion from the North West Counties League Division One North by the virus, Anderson is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“It’s a bit mad,” he told The NLP. “Last year we went to Spain for pre-season as we wanted to do something different. This year, obviously that’s not possible. But at least we get a trip to the Isle of Man!
“They’re saying it’s almost a local derby. A lot of people come over from the island for university and it’s not exactly far. It’s a lot closer to us than Cleator Moor! It’s easier to get to Douglas than Barrow.”
The Merseyside phoenix club’s best showing in the Vase was a decade ago when they reached the third round.
And Anderson believes his side are well equipped to go further than ever before.
“The FA Vase is more realistic as to what we can win,” he added.
“We’re not going to win the FA Cup, obviously, so what you want is a good go at the Vase to raise a bit of money and build some excitement. The club hasn’t done great in this competition recently, so we just want to go further than ever before.
“The football gods haven’t been kind to us in the last few years, so I’m hoping that turns around.”