Standing in U’s way are Horsham, who are making only their second appearance at this stage, the first seeing a defeat after a replay against Swansea in 2007, and who are the second lowest ranked side still in the competition after Ramsgate. Originally knocked out in the first round this season after a replay against Barnsley, Horsham earned a reprieve when it was discovered that Barnsley had fielded an ineligible player in that replay, and will be hoping to make the most of their good fortune in front of a sold out away support on Saturday.
Prior to Barnsley, Horsham had beaten Leatherhead, Marlow, Hanworth Villa and National League Dorking Wanderers in the competition, and while they are back in 9th place in the Isthmian League Premier Division they have up to four games in hand over teams above them so are well placed to launch a promotion challenge. Their squad on Saturday could include Tom Kavanagh, who made 111 appearances for Sutton between 2009 and 2013, featuring in the Isthmian League championship success of 2011, and Jack Strange, a former member of U’s reserve and youth teams.
Since overcoming National League AFC Fylde in the first round four weeks ago, Sutton have drawn all four League Two games, most recently a good point against high-flying Crewe on Tuesday, but Louis John was added to a lengthy injured list during that game and while manager Matt Gray hasn’t ruled him out of Saturday’s game, he is one of several players on whom U’s will make a late decision.
There are plenty of connections between the sides over the years, although they haven’t met since that Isthmian championship season in 2010-11, with Roy Osborne having played for and managed both teams during his long career, and later being a director at Sutton and being inducted to the club’s Hall of Fame. He spoke to Sussex World about his excitement at Saturday’s game, and you can read that here.
Saturday’s referee is Scott Tallis in his first season as an EFL referee and making his second visit this season to Sutton, having been in charge of the game against Gillingham in August.
While Horsham have sold their allocation of tickets there are still tickets available for Sutton supporters and they can be bought on line here. Admission prices are £18 for adults, £12 for concessions and £6 for juniors aged 12-18. Tickets for under 12s are free if bought in conjunction with an adult or concession ticket, and stand seats, of which there are still a few left, are £4 extra. Tickets will, subject to availability, be on sale on the day but advance purchase is advised. With more cold weather forecast, frost covers have been put on the pitch.
Programmes can be ordered on line, price £3 plus postage, to be sent out after the game and you can click here to order yours.
Due to FA Cup regulations our usual iFollow audio commentary will only be available to holders of a monthly or seasonal pass – individual match passes cannot be sold for FA Cup ties and they cannot be streamed overseas. Monthly and seasonal passes can be bought here.
The home fanzone will be open from 12.30pm with a happy hour between 12.30 and 1.30 where pints are £3.50. You can also enjoy a hog roast from the food counter. The fan zone for Horsham supporters behind the visitors’ accommodation opens at 1.30pm with drink and food available.
Saturday’s scheduled EFL Youth Alliance Cup tie at Plymouth was postponed on Friday morning due to uncertainty over the weather given the length of the journey involved. A new date will be arranged for the Southern area semi-final.
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