Sparks are embracing their Buildbase FA Trophy rollercoaster run

South Park may be strapped into a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride but self-confessed adrenaline junkie Malcolm Porter insists his side are ready for yet more twists and turns this weekend.

The Sparks are one of just eight level eight clubs still involved in The Buildbase FA Trophy and, if not for their incredible resolve, they would have exited the race a long time ago.

Replays, comeback victories, sending offs and an unexpected stint in goal for forward Dan Moody – no matter what has been thrown their way, South Park have dealt with it all.

“This year has been quite a journey,” admitted Porter. “We beat Guernsey 2-0 and then we came back from behind to beat Faversham Town 4-3 having been 2-0 down. 

“Then we hung on for a draw against Hastings United with 10 men for the last half an hour, before we scored two goals to win it in the last seven minutes of extra time in the replay.

“In the last round, though we are two divisions below Oxford City, we had gained a lot of confidence from what had come before.

“We were 1-0 up at half-time and hit the woodwork twice – after we’d lost our goalkeeper (James Wastell) and had to use one of our outfield players (Moody). 

“They levelled with 15 minutes to play, but Joe Jackson got the winner before being sent off with seven or eight minutes to go! 

“It’s not been an easy one but we’ve always embraced the FA competitions and the strength of character we’ve shown has been really impressive.”

Surrey-based South Park have been rewarded for their toil with a home tie against North Leigh – who ply their trade at the same level – having escaped a meeting with the newly-introduced National League teams for this round.

“I think both sides would have been happy with the draw as we are in comparable divisions, although they are doing a fair bit better in their league,” added Porter. 

“We don’t know a significant amount about North Leigh but having spoken to a couple of managers from their league, they all say that they are a very good, well-drilled team so we’re expecting another big task.”

FA Trophy history
An ever-improving South Park have only been eligible to compete in the FA Trophy for the past three seasons and were knocked out at in first round qualifying both times before embarking on this year’s dream run.
The first round proper is also very much uncharted territory for North Leigh, who had never progressed past the first qualifier in eight prior attempts.

Did you know?
South Park welcomed legendary striker Chris Smith back into the fold last month following a one-year stint at Burgess Hill – but he will be sitting in the stands this weekend after coming back cup-tied.
“It’s great to have Chris back, he had come through the ranks of South Park and scores 200-odd goals in 300 games,” said Porter. “It’s a shame he won’t get the chance to be in the squad.”

One to watch
Any other manager would be accused of ducking the question but after the many thrills and spills of the last four rounds, Porter rightfully pointed out that it has taken a team effort to get this far, rather than the efforts of a star individual.
“Everyone at the club will have their opinion on who the best player has been but the reality is we’ve got an exceptional team spirit,” he said. 
“The whole squad has been able to recover from adversity and if we are to win again we will need that same work ethic.”

The prize
Either South Park or North Leigh will swell their coffers by another £5,000 – to add to the £12,450 both clubs have already accrued – and progress to the last 16.