Tanners look to emulate the spirit of 1975

Leatherhead’s Jack Midson Non-league Leatherhead hope to make FA Cup history of their own today when they travel to Wycombe.

The lowest- ranked side left in this season’s competition have games in hand and are hoping to get out of the Bostik League Premier Division team and into the National League South.

But for now the Tanners are planning on recreating the spirit of 1975 as they seek to spring a surprise against the League Two high-flyers and make sure of a place in tomorrow’s third-round draw.

Then, Leatherhead led top- flight Leicester 2- 0 at Filbert Street, before bowing out 3-2, and current striker Jack Midson said: “You look at the pictures on the wall – all the history is the ’70s. Every round we’ve been reminded of it.

“It seems between the ’ 70s and now there’s not a lot of history. It’s a small club, it has had that good history and we’re trying to emulate that.

“If we were to get a picture on the wall that’ll be there in more than 40 years time, I’d be more than happy.”

Widely-travelled Midson, once of AFC Wimbledon, added: “Wycombe are expected to win. We are the underdogs.

“If we lose we’re happy with what we’ve achieved, we’ve had a great run and it might be a godsend if we can concentrate on the league and aim for the play-offs.

“But if we go there and win or get a draw that’s a bonus, we’ll be more than happy with that.

“The pressure’s not on us and we’ll give our all. We’re quite confident we can give them a good game.”

Elsewhere today, another Surrey side will be hoping to cause an upset and reach the third round, as Woking host League One Peterborough.

The Cards made an impression in the competition in 1991, when Tim Buzaglo’s second- half hat- trick in 1991 stunned Division Two West Brom and earned them a trip to Division One Everton, where they lost narrowly.

The National League side set up this tie with a 3- 0 first- round replay win at Bury and boss Anthony Limbrick told the Surrey Advertiser: “The result at Bury was fantastic for everyone involved and t h e y ’v e all been talking about Peterborough for a while.”

Three other National League teams are in action, all against League Two opposition.

Boreham Wood are away to 1987 winners Coventry, Gateshead host Luton and Guiseley travel to Mansfield.