Inspiring one magical cup run in a season might sound like a tall order but to do it a second time with a different club in the same campaign is the task facing new Boston United manager Craig Elliott.
The 38-year-old was behind Shaw Lane’s superb Emirates FA Cup run which saw the Barnsley-based club reach the first round proper for the first time in its history.
Elliott then took up his new role at Boston in early November and his side currently sit second bottom of the Vanarama National League North heading into their Buildbase FA Trophy third round qualifying clash with Kidderminster Harriers.
And the latest Pilgrims boss is hoping to create the same team spirit that helped Lane achieve their cup heroics this season.He said: “At Shaw Lane, we just had a really good spirit and that’s something I build up in the dressing room.
“We were a very tight knit group and they knew how to come through in the big matches. They stuck together and were a hard team to play against. It takes time to build really and hopefully that will build at Boston.”
Boston have had a taste of the Football League in recent years, having spent five years in League Two from between 2002 and 2007.
Since then, the Lincolnshire club have been down to the Northern Premier League and been placed in administration but Elliott is keen to change their fortunes around and get them back up the pyramid.
“It’s a privilege to be here. I think they’ve been waiting for someone to grab them and get them back up to where they belong. You get a real feel for the place. The supporters, the ground, it’s a great place to be. It deserves success again and hopefully I can be the man that brings it.
“There’s a lot happening in the community. That was one of the biggest draws to the club. When I signed, the chairman told me how they loved to get involved in the community.
“It means everything to the fans and area and they are yearning for a bit of success and it’s my job to bring that.”
The Pilgrims will entertain the Harriers in the third round qualifying – a side who are also yearning to bring back happier times having slipped into the National League North in 2016.
Elliot added: “We have to make it into a good cup tie and want to win more than them essentially. They’re one of the better footballing teams in the league.
“It’s a hard game and they’re a big club in their own right but we need to start well.”
Buildbase FA Trophy history
The Pilgrims made it all the way to the final of the competition in 1985 having beaten Altrincham in the semi-final courtesy of a last-gasp Bob Lee strike. But they would be left disappointed from their only Wembley visit as they lost to Wealdstone 2-1 in front of 20,775 fans.
The Harriers themselves also have a rich history in the competition having won the trophy back in 1987 against Burton Albion in a final replay at the Hawthorns.
Kidderminster have made the final three more times since their memorable cup triumph but have come off second best on each occasion. Their most recent final was in 2007 where they let a two-goal lead slip against Stevenage Borough, losing 3-2 in extra-time. Kidderminster are the only club from Worcestershire to have ever played in the Football League.
The prize:
The first round proper awaits one of these two sides and the winner will be taking home £5,000 for their troubles.
