BRENDAN Kelly wants the Rouslers faithful to “bring the noise” when Bromsgrove host Grimsby Town in a highly-anticipated FA Cup fourth qualifying round match at the Victoria Ground.
Sporting are just one win away from reaching the FA Cup first round proper and Saturday’s clash marks the furthest the club has ever reached in the competition.
Grimsby are currently top of the National League table and play two divisions above Bromsgrove having only been relegated out of the Football League last season.
Manager Kelly is excited ahead of what he billed as ‘the biggest game in the club’s history’ and has asked the club’s supporters to create an intimidating atmosphere on Saturday lunchtime.
Kelly said: “To the fans coming on Saturday – bring the noise and make it as difficult as possible for Grimsby.
“Get behind the team because we’ll massively need it.
“It’s a mixture of excitement and a bit of the unknown – we haven’t gone this far in the FA Cup before and we haven’t played a National League club in the cup before.
“Whilst it’s the unknown for them it’s the unknown for us as well – that element of it makes it exciting because you never know what’s going to happen.
“Everybody behind the scenes has been working all hands to the pump this week to make sure the ground is in tip-top condition.”
Despite his excitement, Kelly insists his players need to remain focused on the job at hand amidst the media coverage surrounding the fixture.
He added: “It’s exciting but it’s very important that we don’t let the occasion get the better of us – we have to focus on the football match.
“We’ve got to try and ignore the media hype surrounding the game and focus on being in the best shape possible to get something out of the game.
“It’s a free hit, no one is expecting us to turn Grimsby over – they’re flying at the top of the National League.”
Sporting have endured a difficult week on the pitch after losing 2-1 away at Lowestoft Town last weekend before being beaten 3-1 at home by Banbury United on Tuesday night.
However, Bromsgrove have impressed in the FA Cup this season having beaten Loughborough Students (2-0), Worksop Town (6-0) and Welwyn Garden City (1-0) without conceding a goal.
Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on the BBC Red Button, Sport website and app, and iPlayer with kick-off at 12:30pm at the Victoria Ground.
Any fans who wish to send in their messages of support to Sporting ahead of the game can email: [email protected]
