Dereham Town drawn at home to Boston Town in FA Cup
Dereham Town manager Neal Simmons. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: IAN BURT
Dereham Town's dream start to the season continued on Monday when they were handed a home draw against lower ranked opposition in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The Magpies' reward for Saturday's hard-fought 1-0 win at Yaxley was another tie against United Counties League opposition, with Boston Town set to visit Aldiss Park on Saturday, September 16.
Dereham should go into the tie in good spirits after winning their opening six fixtures of the season while conceding just one goal - but manager Neal Simmons will be ensuring his players keep their feet firmly on the ground.
'First and foremost it's great to have a home draw,' he said. 'It's also another game against step five opposition but Boston have done well to get this far and we certainly won't be underestimating them.
'It's an exciting game to look forward and gives us a chance of reaching the third qualifying round, which is as far as we have ever been.
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'Getting through also means more revenue for the club, which is important, while we should also get a decent crowd for the game.'
Saturday's win followed a 3-0 home success over Corby in the preliminary round, while the Magpies have also won their opening four fixtures in the Bostik League North Division, with the only goal conceded being a late consolation for Norwich United in a 3-1 victory on Bank Holiday Monday.
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Simmons could hardly have wished for a better start since stepping up from an assistant's role to replace Matt Henman as boss during the close season.
'Obviously everyone is delighted with the way it has gone so far and although we know it won't last forever it's about riding the wave for as long as we can,' he said. 'The players deserve a lot of credit - they have all played their part and it's about maintaining the high standards we have shown so far.'
Before the big game Dereham have two important league fixtures to focus on, with Ware visiting Aldiss Park on Saturday (3pm) and Witham in town next Tuesday (7.45pm). Ware have won two and lost two so far whlle Witham have won one and lost three.
