Cray Wanderers look to cause a FA Cup giant killing as they host Stockport County in a fairytale first round tie.
Victory would see Cray Wanderers extend their longest FA Cup run, whilst Stockport are seeking to move past this stage for a seventh consecutive season.
Team News
Jacob Lowe is ruled out for Cray Wanderers due to a knock, which he suffered whilst representing his parent club – Leyton Orient in the FA Youth Cup.
Stockport have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 2-1 League One victory at home to AFC Wimbledon on Halloween.
Andrew Wogan (shoulder), Brad Hills (ACL), Kyron Gordon and Adama Sidibeh (both hamstring) remain ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Cray Wanderers host Stockport at Flamingo Park on Sunday 8 November at 2:15pm BST, live on BBC Two, TNT Sports 2, BBC iPlayer and HBO Max in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Cray Wanderers’ first-ever FA Cup meeting against Stockport County.
- Stockport are making their first-ever visit to Cray Wanderers in all competitions.
- Cray Wanderers are making their maiden first round appearance in the FA Cup.
- Stockport have won two of their last seven away matches in the FA Cup (W2, D3, L2).
Prediction
Currently sat fifth bottom in the Isthmian League’s Premier Division with several games in hand, Cray Wanderers can afford to just have a proper go at this match because they’ve got nothing to lose given that this is their first FA Cup experience against EFL opposition.
Stockport meanwhile are favourites but they can’t underestimate the hosts given the magnitude of the occasion which will give the home players a lift, so they need to treat this as any other game although Jimmy McNulty will surely rotate his players.
Although I expect that Cray Wanderers will pose some initial resistance and perhaps try to get in front early, I think that Stockport will come through this test comfortably if they stay focused and don’t let the likely electric atmosphere of the home fans overwhelm them.
Prediction: Cray Wanderers 1-3 Stockport County
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