Dev to play ‘strongest side’ in competition that still means a lot to him
It’s clear to see the FA Cup still holds a place in Alan Devonshire’s heart – the Maidenhead United manager who once won the tournament as a West Ham United player back in 1980.
Therefore, when York Road plays host to Eastbourne Borough at York Road this weekend, Devonshire’s line-up will be the ‘strongest possible’ in a deliberate effort to get into the first round proper.
It remains to be seen if the Magpies can improve on their 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic on Saturday and beat National League South side Eastbourne in spells during Saturday’s draw - their third match unbeaten in the league - and were frustrated to come away with only one point to show for their efforts.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to,” said Devonshire (left) of the forthcoming FA Cup clash. “We’ve hit a good run of form in the league so hopefully we can apply that on Saturday.
“We know it’s going to be tough, it will probably be like a cup final for them because they sit a league below us, so we will probably put out our strongest possible line-up.
“The FA Cup is not as big as it should be. It’s still the best competition in the world as far as I’m concerned. It’s a competition that throws up giant killings.
“I also think with the Champions League, the money, and all of that, it’s meant the FA Cup isn’t as important to clubs. But, that’s mainly from the top end. For smaller clubs, it’s massive.
“You want to play the better clubs, the league clubs. I am sure Eastbourne are excited to play us – we’re a bigger club than them at the moment.
“We’re lucky enough we’re in the Conference now and in one game we could be in the first round. What we’ve done over the last few years has put us in this situation so we have to try and make the most of it.”
On the draw with the Latics, Devonshire added: “I think we deserved to win on Saturday.
“In the first half we certainly didn’t deserve to be 1-0 down. We were the much better side.
“After 10 minutes or so of the second half, I think we totally dominated again and should have got more than a point.”