Ebbsfleet United's Frankie Sutherland desperate to beat Royston Town as he eyes return to Wembley for another 'massive' FA Trophy experience
Published: 06:00, 07 February 2020
Updated: 08:39, 07 February 2020
Frankie Sutherland insists Ebbsfleet will be doing everything possible to maintain their FA Trophy run.
The Fleet have defeated Enfield Town and King’s Lynn to reach the last 16, where Southern League Premier Central side Royston Town visit Stonebridge Road this Saturday.
Their opponents have already knocked out Boreham Wood, Wealdstone and Chester to get this far – so Fleet will have to be on top form to progress against a side who have been beaten just once in their last 15 games in all competitions.
“The league is the bread and butter, make no doubt about that, but while there is a game in the FA Trophy then you do everything you can to win,” said Sutherland.
“We know Royston are a good side, they’ve beaten teams in this league so we need to give them respect. If we have the right mentality, desire and attitude then we’re confident we can get the right result.
“We have individuals that can change a game. You don’t change your approach in training and then you tackle and run as hard as you would in a league game, nothing changes. We respect them but we’re confident.”
Sutherland knows all about the magic of the FA Trophy. He was part of the Bromley team beaten on penalties by Brackley in the 2018 final at Wembley.
“You don’t get there very often so it is massive,” he added. “It’s a brilliant occasion but there’s a lot of hard work before then.
“Obviously, I was gutted to lose, especially the way we lost on penalties. But it’s a fantastic experience.
“What it does is it galvanises the boys. It’s a great occasion for any player, the manager, the backroom staff and all of the supporters – what a day out it is!”
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Matthew Panting