St Albans City boss Ian Allinson is daring to dream this weekend as he looks to reach The Emirates FA Cup second round for the first time as manager.
In his way though, stands a familiar opponent.
The Saints last reached this stage of the competition three seasons ago when they were beaten 8-1 by Mansfield Town – the same year Allinson’s Boreham Wood took on Carlisle, losing 2-1 in a replay having taken the lead.
St Albans City v Carlisle United
The Emirates FA Cup
First Round
2pm, Sunday 6 November 2016
Clarence Park
By Andrew Lawton
As a player, Allison helped Luton Town to the semi-finals in 1987-88, losing to eventual winners Wimbledon at White Hart Lane.
And now he is desperate to make some FA Cup memories from the dugout.
“It’s a fantastic achievement to get this far but it would be my first time in the second round with a non-league side,” Allinson said.
“It’s fantastic from the club's point of view, and for the town it's generated a great atmosphere. Hopefully it will be a good day for everyone.
“I think a couple of players were there against Mansfield three years ago.
“A couple of the older players felt they were in the game at 1-0 up for 40-odd minutes but they went into half-time 2-1 down.
“In the second half Mansfield ran riot as St Albans got tired, the difference between part-time and full-time players really came into it.”
St Albans begin the weekend full of confidence, having recorded six wins from six games in all competitions during October and sit fourth in National League South.
On Sunday they face another in-form side in Carlisle United, unbeaten in 15 League Two games, but Allinson is full of belief.
“It’s going to be a tough game, we are aware of what can happen in the FA Cup – a mistake or a referee’s decision could give us a cup shock,” he added.
“The primary goal was reaching the first round but if we can cause an upset then you are 90 minutes away from the Premier League teams.
FA Cup history
St Albans City have reached the second round on five occasions, but have taken just one league scalp, beating Brentford 5–3 in 1924. Their 8-1 defeat in the first round against Mansfield Town in 2013 was their first appearances at that stage since 2002.
Carlisle United’s best run came in 1974-75 when they beat Preston North End, West Bromwich Albion and Mansfield Town on their way to the quarter-finals before losing 1-0 to Fulham at Brunton Park.
Did you know?
St Albans have the record for the most goals scored by a single player while losing an FA Cup tie.
Wilfred Minter struck an incredible seven times in November 1922 but the Saints were beaten 8-7 by Dulwich Hamlet in a fourth round qualifying replay.
One to Watch
Carlisle sit second in League Two and goalkeeper Mark Gillespie has been key to that, leading the Cumbrians to the joint second-best defensive record in the league.
But he will be up against City striker Louie Theophanous on Sunday, the second leading goalscorer in National League South with 13 so far this season.
“His performance in the last two months of last season and this year has been outstanding,” Allinson said.
“If you give him half a chance, nine times out of ten he will hit the target. Hopefully he can continue because he’s a major part of what we are doing.”
The prize
First round winners secure £18,000 in prize money and a place in Monday’s second-round draw.
