Aveley hoping to be FA Cup qualifying 'story'

Aveley boss Brett Munyard has urged his side to "be the story of the weekend" when they take on National League side Gateshead in the FA Cup.

The Essex club are hoping to reach the first round proper for only the second time in their history, and the first time since 1970-71.

The Millers, who are currently 15th in Isthmian League Premier Division, the third tier of non-league football, have come through three qualifying rounds already.

"It's something we set out to do in the summer, the chairman did say it would be good to get a cup run under our belt and obviously there's no hiding the fact that there are good financial benefits from it, which is really important for a club like us," Munyard told BBC Essex.

"From a personal perspective, I'm not sure why but I've got quite a good record in the FA Cup and I'm pleased that's continued this season," the former White Ensign, Brightlingsea Regent and Maldon & Tiptree boss said.

• Brett Munyard: 'We've got to believe we can do it'

Aveley will have home advantage against Gateshead, who will be making an almost 570-mile round trip for the tie.

They are 14th in National League under Alun Armstrong and eager to avoid a repeat of last season when they lost a final qualifying round replay against Hednesford Town.

"They're a good footballing side but have got to do a lot of travelling to come down to us which I don't think they'll be relishing," Munyard said.

"We also know how difficult the game will be and we'll have to be absolutely perfect and have a little bit of luck on our side to go through, but this is why we do what we do and hopefully we're going to be the story of the weekend.

"We've obviously done a lot of research on Gateshead since the draw and we've watched a lot of their games and understand they've currently got a few injuries.

"We've got to believe we can do it. Any team that turns up at our place and doesn't fancy it is going to be in for a long day because we are a very hard team to break down and we think we've got enough in the final third to cause them problems."

Aveley are one of six Essex teams in the final qualifying round, along with Southend United and Braintree Town from National League, Chelmsford City, Billericay Town and Munyard's former club Maldon & Tiptree.

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