I guess this is it then. We are now just hours away from probably one of the biggest games you will ever have seen Chesham United play. No longer can we look to a Romulus or Malvern Town to give us another chance, it's all about tonight and whether the season extends to Saturday's final or not.
"Tonight's game typifies why we are all involved in football, Managers, Players and Supporters alike" observes manager Andy Leese. "We have given ourselves a chance to progress after a long hard season, and with very few prizes to go around at any level of football, it is fantastic that we have the opportunity to do that. It is a Cup tie in reality, and there will be a cup tie atmosphere given the anticipated crowd."
It's cup football with a difference; the prize for winning the next two games is massive, it's not about a trophy for the cabinet, it's about where and what level of football we will be watching for the next 12 months. We have seen some stunning performances, and results, away to supposedly superior teams this season, and make no mistake, Nuneaton Town are massive favourites for this game.
Let's not forget we have already beaten 2 Conference South teams (Weston-Super-Mare and Maidenhead Utd), the Southern Premier Champions (Corby), the Southern League South-West Champions (Truro) and also, memorably, Nuneaton Town on their own turf just a few weeks ago...in other words, we are not there just to make up the numbers.
Andy Leese's record in games as the underdog is highly impressive, not just since arriving at Chesham, but whilst at Potters Bar Town too. A fact not overlooked by Andy: "We have shown ourselves to be a decent side in the one off games this season, and the key to that has been our preparation. We know what to expect tonight, but I guess Nuneaton will say the same. Their Management team is experienced, and we had a good look at each other in the League game a couple of weeks ago. They have a great set up off the field and some very experienced quality players. We will go in as underdogs, given the respective League positions, but that suits us as it has done many times over the last couple of seasons. The squad is in great spirits after the weekend, and they are mentally prepared for a one off game. We will leave nothing to chance, and we should have everyone available for selection. Leon Archer is the only doubt at present, and we will decide on him when we arrive tonight."
However, let's not get carried away here. Nuneaton did finish the season 16 points better off than us and, give or take a slight name change and a few people left short changed from money owed to them, they are pretty much the same club as that finished 7th in Conference North last year.
As Andy says: "Our support has been magnificent this season, and we hope that continues tonight. The players respond to the backing you give us, and I am sure you will respond to the occasion tonight. See you in Nuneaton! "
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