City are up for the cup

FOOTBALL

Simon Pettit says his Canterbury squad can’t wait for the club’s first foray into FA Cup action in 14 seasons. The reformed club return to the world’s oldest cup competition for the first time since 1999 with an extra preliminary round trip to Sussex County League Division 1 side Dorking Wanderers on Sunday (3pm) knowing victory would secure a home tie against Horsham YMCA or Hassocks in the preliminary round. City’s season began with a 2-0 defeat in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division on Saturday before a home clash against Deal on Wednesday. Pettit said: “We are looking forward to this week, it is a huge game, our first in the competition for some time. “If you can’t get up for an FA Cup game, in any round, then something’s up. “It’s good for the club on and off the pitch. It’s a nice addition to the season, we want to go on runs in the cup competitions.” City return to action with a league trip to Lordswood on Tuesday (7.45pm). Meanwhile, brewers Shepherd Neame have signed a threeyear sponsorship deal with City which will see the firm’s logo appear on the first-team kit as they become the club’s ‘First Team Partner.’ City chairman Tim Clark said: “It is fantastic for the club to have a well-known and locallyrespected company such as Shepherd Neame supporting us. “We are grateful to Shepherd Neame for their three-year commitment particularly as we now embark on considering alternative locations for a home ground. We are now playing FA Cup football again for the first time in 15 years so this is an exciting time at the club.” Giles Hilton, of Shepherd Neame, said: “Shepherd Neame has a proud record of supporting a variety of sports from grassroots to county level. We wish the players and supporters of Canterbury City FC every success in the forthcoming season.” City’s commercial director John Fabre added: “This agreement is a real boost for the club and will help to accelerate our plans.”