Double cup ‘shame’ for Reds boss Stiles
Fareham Town manager Pete Stiles admits his side have been handed a tough opening to their FA Cup campaign.
They travel to Combined Counties Leaguers Frimley Green in tonight’s extra preliminary round tie (7.45pm).
The Reds will be looking to exact revenge for their FA Cup exit against the same opponents at Cams Alders two seasons ago.
Frimley Green deservedly won that tie 2-0 and Stiles knows gaining revenge won't be a straightforward task.
He also feels it is unfortunate that such an important game is being played so early in the season.
'It is a shame we have to play what is probably one of our most important games first up,' said Stiles.
'It would have been nice to get a couple of league games under our belt first.
'Also it is a shame that the game is not on a Saturday.
'With players working in different locations and finishing at different times, you cannot organise a coach.
'Players have to make their own way there in cars and that gives it a different feel.
'The FA Cup games are something everyone looks forward to.
‘Everyone likes to have a run in the competition and it can bring in valuable finances.
'I suppose the current situation can't be helped and all of us are in the same boat.
'Hopefully we are ready.' The visitors have two notable absentees – Connor Messingbird is suspended for the first four games and Jack Breed is away with the Gibraltan squad.
Stiles added: 'Our ambition is to finish as high up the league as we can and have some good cup runs.
'Last season we proved we can beat the top sides.
'The only thing is after doing that the next week we would let ourselves down by losing to the bottom teams.
'We have to be far more consistent.’
Fareham will be away again in the preliminary round on Saturday, September 12, if they beat Frimley – to Woking-based Westfield. - KEVIN RICKETTS