Hinckley AFC take an early break from league action when the FA Cup starts tomorrow – and striker Grant Ryan is relishing playing in the world’s most famous club cup competition.
AFC’s first Saturday game at their new home ground has the potential to be a memorable one as County rivals Anstey Nomads visit in the extra preliminary round.
It pits two step six sides against each other, and with a home tie guaranteed in the next round for the winners, Ryan says the competition is always a special one, no matter what stage you enter it.
“It’s very important for clubs at our level, in terms of prize money. It’s always a special competition to play in, and the further we go, the bigger calibre of team we’ll play.
“It’s everyone’s dream to play against the bigger teams ans try and cause upsets.”
The forward has good memories of the competition, having scored late goals to secure progression on a couple of occasions before. He wants to add to that record at the Welfare Ground tomorrow.
“I scored one against Kettering in the FA Cup when I played for Chasetown, in the 93rd minute I think it was, to take us throughout to the next round.
“And then when I worked with John Ramshaw back at Eastwood, before they folded, we had good run in the cup and I managed to score 
and take us into the next round then as well.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to score again on Saturday, and let’s see how far we can go.”
If he can score tomorrow, he’ll have made it three consecutive scoring appearances to start the season having netted in both league draws to start the campaign.
He feels the side collectively need to take more of the chances created, but says the signs are good while the squad are still getting to know each other.
“It was important for me to get off the mark after a couple of blanks in pre-season against higher opposition.
“The results don’t really reflect the performances, for me. In the first half at Stapenhill, we played really well and probably should have been 4-0 up by half time.
“But we went into both those games in the lead, and didn’t come away with wins. We need to start taking our chances and getting the results that we need.
Having just been been transferred over to the United Counties League Division One, Anstey started their season in a new league with a 4-4 draw on Saturday.
They finished second in the East Midlands Counties League last term, only finishing behind Dunkirk in their quest for the title.
It promises, then, to be an entertaining clash a two The Welfare Ground tomorrow with home tie against Barton Town or Clipstone for the winners in two weeks time.
You’ll be able to catch the full video interwith with Grant Ryan on our official channels tomorrow morning.
Adults: £6
Concessions: £4
Under 16s: £2
