ISUZU FA TROPHY | HISTORY IN THE MAKING

We speak to Harborough Town goalkeeper, Elliott Taylor, as we preview this weekend's third round

There are some mouth-watering match-ups for our member clubs in the Isuzu FA Trophy this weekend as we reach the third round stage.

One of the most intriguing ties is happening at Premier Central high-flyers, Harborough Town, who host National League outfit, Carlisle United, who are under the guidance of former Wales manager and Manchester United star, Mark Hughes.

Having suffered relegation out of the EFL at the end of last season, the Cumbrians are currently one of three teams level on 46 points at the top of The National League table, although they suffered a surprise 3-1 home reverse at the hands of Woking on Wednesday.

For Harborough Town, it’s another piece of history in the making as they compete at this stage of the competition for the very first time.

“I’m really looking forward to the game,” goalkeeper, Elliott Taylor, told us. “It’s another chance for myself and the rest of the team to test ourselves against higher-level opponents in front of what is sure to be a sell-out crowd.

“These are the type of occasions that you want to be involved in. It’s going to be a tough one for us, of course, I’ve watched a few of their highlights and given their position amongst the front-runners at Step 1, it’s an encounter where we will all need to bring our ‘A’ game.

“The past few years have been incredible with so many great days for the club and I am so pleased to have been part of it and created some amazing memories – with many more to come!

“I am really pleased with the start to the season I have made. It ranks up there with one of the best starts I have made throughout my career.

“It’s all massively down to the Gaffer, his staff and the team-mates around me. Collectively we’ve all done well, but there is still a lot of football to be played.

“The Premier Central is such a strong League with so many good teams. It’s been a real battle but that will only stand us in good stead for the task that stands before us at the weekend.

“We have to ensure that we can maintain the high standards that we have set; not only against Carlisle but also throughout the busy run of games that lies ahead.

“These are exciting times and we will make sure that we embrace the occasion and give everything we’ve got to do ourselves and the Southern League proud.”

Harborough Town are one of two clubs from the Premier Central involved in the Isuzu FA Trophy this weekend.

The other is Alvechurch who also have home advantage for the visit of National League North Alfreton Town as recently-installed manager, Kyle Storer, looks to make his mark straightaway.

Over in the Premier South, Plymouth Parkway are flying the flag as they hit the road for Chatham Town. There’s also a mouth-watering trip for Hanwell Town and their manager, Chris Moore, to look forward to as they head to his former club, Dagenham & Redbridge. Not only did Moore give the Daggers fine service as a player, he is also a supporter of The National League South club.

It’s a home tie for Gloucester City as they take on National League South high-flyers, Worthing, whilst Walton & Hersham also have an intriguing home tie as they host Sutton United of The National League.

We wish all of our member clubs the very best of luck in their respective ties.

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