Growing up, Haringey Borough chairman Aki Achillea would watch Laurie Cunningham’s Leyton Orient side every week – now, his team are preparing to face the historic club.
This will be a momentous Buildbase FA Trophy first round fixture as both sides get set to make their debuts in this stage of the competition.
Having been involved with the club for 20 years, Achillea took over as chairman in 2004 and admits drawing Leyton Orient, relegated from the English Football League last year, is one of the biggest moments in the club’s history.
He said: “It’s a dream come true, especially for a club of our stature. Considering how close they are to our ground as well. They have a huge fanbase.
“A lot of my players and staff have links to Leyton Orient as do I.
“I used to go down to the O’s in the early 1970s as a kid to watch the likes of Laurie Cunningham so I have a very close affinity to the club and they have a place in my heart.
“They used to be an excellent side so I’m so excited by the prospect of the match – it’s our biggest match.”
A lawyer by trade, Achillea has helped oversee a fantastic transformation of the club with their historic Coles Park ground now boasting an all-weather pitch.
Borough achieved a record home attendance of 401 in their Emirates FA Cup fourth round qualifying against Heybridge Swifts but Achillea believes they will smash that record this weekend.
He said: “It’s fantastic. Our normal crowd size is around 150. We got to the final qualifying round of The FA Cup and we just missed out on the first round proper but we had a great atmosphere.
“But this weekend will be the highest crowd we’ve had in our entire history. We anticipate this weekend that we could be seeing close to 1,500.
“Improving the facilities has attracted better players and better revenue for pitch hire which has transformed the club and the area.
“We also have a free season ticket for all home league matches. That’s had a remarkable impact on our crowds and has opened the door to so many people to watch football.
“It’s a fantastic place to come and play. We have a lot of youngsters from the area which is vitally important.”
Buildbase FA Trophy history
This is the first time Leyton Orient will appear in the Buildbase FA Trophy having spent their entire history in the Football League before being relegated last season.
As for The Borough, they are currently on their best run in the competition and will also be making their debut in the first round proper.
Did you know?
Haringey Borough changed their name to Tufnell Park in 1995 for just one season before reverting back to Haringey Borough the season after.
The prize
The winner will earn a place in the second round and also take home £6,000 for their troubles.
