It may only be a cup game in November but Harlow Town boss Danny Chapman insists the result of Saturday’s Buildbase FA Trophy match with Dulwich Hamlet could have wide ramifications at the end of the season.
The Hawks host Dulwich in the second round qualifying with £4000 up for grabs and the cash provided by FA competitions is a lifeline for non-League sides – especially those battling for promotion or fighting relegation.
Dulwich currently have problems of their own, their current management company and ground owners have ended their contractual obligation in regards to player payment and club finances, but they reached the quarter finals of the competition last season and will hope a similar run can make a positive impact.
They have already beaten Harlow 4-0 in the Isthmian Premier Division this season and Chapman expects a fast-paced, intense game as both sides battle to create more special memories.
“The FA Trophy is the non-League FA Cup, there is no other way of looking at that. There is always a real buzz about it and the closer you get to Wembley the more the local community feel involves,” he said.
“The supporters always relish a big game and this is a tough place to come. We played Eastleigh here last season and beat them 2-0, so it is those memories which always stick with you and the fans flock in.
“Every non-League club needs finance, even your richer clubs, so it is important for the club if you can get a good run at it. It can help you towards the end of the season.
“You may need to sign a couple of players to fight relegation or battle for promotion so that little bit of money can make the biggest difference.
“Every club has bills to pay so hopefully we can get on a run. It is always important, we did very well last year.
“We got to the second round proper and were beaten by the team that won it and we had a half-decent cup run before so in the last couple of seasons we have done well in the FA competitions and it has definitely helped us.”
Chapman has warned Dulwich that his side will be completely different from the one which slumped to a 4-0 defeat just a month ago.
They warmed up with a 1-0 win against Leiston in mid-week and now their form is gradually returning.
Injuries have wrecked Harlow’s campaign so far but slowly a string of key players are returning to fitness and Chapman expects a far closer contest.
"I am not one to make excuses but we have been dogged by injuries, we have had four different goalkeepers this season,” he added.
“At the moment, it is not the same as it was last year but we are starting to find our performances again and players are coming back.
“Some of our bigger players are training again and that always creates a boost among the group. The talk is starting again and hopefully we can get the job done.”
FA Trophy History
Dulwich’s best ever run in the FA Trophy came in 1979-80 when they reached the quarter-finals before losing to Boston United in a replay.
They matched that last season by reaching the last eight, where they lost to Macclesfield.
The 1979-80 season was also special for Harlow fans as they reached the FA Cup fourth round. Last season they reached the second round of the FA Trophy, where they lost to eventual champions York City.
Did you know?
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand is a close friend of Dulwich manager Gavin Rose and has often been to watch them play. The former Manchester United defender has also trained with the club and supplied kit for them to use.
The Prize
The winner secures a spot in the third round qualifying and pocket £4000.
