Bromsgrove Sporting manager Brendan Kelly believes the upcoming fixture against Grimsby Town in the FA Cup is “the biggest game in the club’s history.”
The Rouslers beat Welwyn Garden City to secure progress to the fourth qualifying round and were rewarded with a home draw against the Mariners which will take place this Saturday.
Paul Hurst’s side, who were recently relegated from the Football League, have had a successful start to the season and are situated top of the National League.
Kelly said: “It was a big disappointment to draw the highest ranked team and the toughest team we could have received at this stage in the competition.
“However, it’s the biggest game in the club’s history. It’s a fixture that supporters will talk about for several years.”
Jack Newell, who scored the signifncant goal in the previous round, believes the upcoming fixture against the National League leaders will be the biggest game he will participate in during his career.
The former Northampton Town midfielder said: “It’s the biggest game that I have been involved in because games like this don’t come around often.
“We know it will be a tough test because they have plenty of quality and experience throughout the team but we’re all looking forward to it.
“We will go into the game wanting to win because Bromsgrove Sporting making the first round proper of the FA Cup would be a massive achievement for the club.”
The fixture has been selected for television coverage while there is a sell-out crowd expected at the Victoria Ground.
The team that advances to the first round proper will also receive £9,375 while the losers will receive £3,125, and Kelly believes the financial aspect of the draw is also important.
He said: “The pandemic was difficult because Bromsgrove Sporting don’t own the stadium and we still had to pay rent. The ability to bring income into the club remains difficult because many businesses can’t afford to support non-league clubs.
“During the summer we created our objectives and we wanted to have a cup run to help raise funds. Although the losing team will still receive money, the financial reward would be massive if the unimaginable happens and we win.”
The 39-year-old is realistic about the challenge the National League leaders will provide. However, he still remains optimistic that his team can progress to the first round proper.
“We’re massive underdogs but it’s not Manchester City. We are playing against National League players,” he said.
“There are still fifty two places between the two teams and we expect it to be very difficult but we will embrace the opportunity because you just never know what might happen in the FA Cup.”