AFC Mansfield owner thrilled with glamour FA Cup tie against Gainsborough Trinity

Man-of-the-match Hugo Warhurst makes a crucial save in thewin over Cleethorpes Town. Pic by Peter Craggs.

AFC Mansfield chairman Andy Saunders has described his side’s FA Cup tie with Gainsborough Trinity as one of the club’s biggest ever games.

The Bulls will host Trinity in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Tuesday night following their 1-0 win at Cleethorpes.

“It’s a fantastic draw to be honest,” said Saunders. “To play a Step 3 side who were Step 2 not long ago is brilliant.

“It is a great game to be playing in. They are one of the oldest non-league clubs and we are all looking forward to it.

“The biggest team we have had down here is Boston United a few years ago. From the point of view of stature Trinity is probably the next biggest.”

AFC are expecting a crowd between 150 and 200 people with £4,500 up for grabs for the winners.

The cup run has guaranteed the Bulls a crucial £1,500 in prize money to help them through the current economic uncertainty.

AFC’s furthest run in the competition took them to a third qualifying round defeat at home to Boston United.

“It is great for our prestige and brings in valuable income,” added Saunders. “it has been difficult with COVID and still is.

“No-one knows what crowds we will get when we start playing properly in the league on saturday

“It is all to play for and the magic of the FA Cup. For clubs at our level if you win two matches you've done extremely well, but to win three is even better.”