Brackley Prepares for Significant FA Cup Match Against Stockport

Gavin Cowan has been Brackley Town boss since May 2023Brackley Town is anticipating a “day to remember” at Stockport as they aim to reach the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in their club’s history. The Northamptonshire-based team has advanced to the second round draw on four previous occasions but has never progressed further. Currently, they are positioned eighth in the National League North and maintain an unbeaten record over six matches, following a victory against Rushall Olympic on Tuesday, where Miracle Okafor scored the decisive goal. “It’s a massive task ahead, with the injuries we’ve got, and we need to overcome that as well, but we’ll be fully prepared, and excited and ready to go when the time arrives,” manager Gavin Cowan informed BBC Radio Northampton. He added, “You have to play the cards you’re dealt, we’re a strong group and will pull together – all the injured players will be in and around the changing room – and we know what we’ve got (available) is still very competitive.” This video can not be playedFA Cup highlights: Brackley Town 0-0 (5-4 pens) Braintree TownStockport, their upcoming opponent, has not appeared in the third round draw since the 2001-02 season and required extra-time to defeat Forest Green Rovers in the first round. However, Stockport is currently on a four-game winning streak in League One, where they hold fourth place in the table, with aspirations for back-to-back promotions. Brackley has been observing County since the second round draw was conducted, and Cowan expects his team to rise to the challenge. “We’ll prepare as we usually do, we try and do all the due diligence we can, we offer the players reports and video analysis, as much as we can, to be able to go out onto the pitch and perform. “Every little one per cent counts but the players know what’s required of them,” he stated. He further elaborated, “I’m a really big advocate of experience. When you’ve been there and experienced something once, you know what’s about to come second time around. “A few of our players have played in some really big occasions and they’ll play a huge part.” Cowan concluded, “We’re planning on making a really big day of it, we want to be really competitive and make sure we give the best account of ourselves we can. “We’re going there to win. It’s a big obstacle to overcome, but why not us?” FA Cup highlights: Stockport County 2-1 Forest Green RoversSandi Toksvig is joined by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi and Alan DaviesGrab the mic for Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry and more…Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are back for the festivities at Longleat Safari ParkFrom micro plastics in our air, soil, and waterways, to the extent of food waste at this time of year© 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.