Trophy debut is sign of progress says South Park boss

South Park manager Joe McElligott believes playing in The FA Trophy for the first time in the club's history is a mark of their recent progression. 

In a season of firsts, South Park have already embarked on their debut campaign in the Isthmian League, having won promotion from the Combined Counties Premier Division. 

Saturday's trip to Cheshunt is a tricky assignment, but McElligott insists his side will benefit from the experience whatever happens. 

"It's a great experience for the football club," he said. "It's another stepping stone for us in our continued development as a club and we want to perform well and give ourselves the best possible chance of making it through. 

"We've made a good start to our domestic campaign and want to build on the hard work we have put in so far. 

"The competition is a great opportunity for us to pit ourselves against a side from outside our division. We always relish playing against teams we're not so familiar with." 

McElligott is all too aware of the threat posed by their Isthmian North Division opponents and admits his players have been well drilled into what to expect ahead of the clash at Theobalds Lane. 

"Without a doubt, we're in for a tough test," he continued. "I can recall when we played [Isthmian North side] Brentwood Town in The FA Cup a couple of years ago and earned a great result against a team that were higher up on the football pyramid. 

"We look forward to the challenge of playing against sides from outside our division and Cheshunt is no exception." 

The added incentive of earning extra income from The FA Trophy is something that McElligott believes is crucial to enable sustained development of the football club. 

"Any income at grassroots level is greatly welcomed. We are keen as a club to push forward in our development, whether that be on the pitch or improve our facilities so any bonuses are certainly important."