Harrogate Railway boss Billy Miller admits his side’s trip to Garforth Town in the FA Cup Preliminary Round is a “banana-skin” tie
Harrogate Railway manager Billy Miller admits that his side’s trip to Garforth Town for the FA Cup Preliminary Round is a “banana-skin” tie.
Railway, who have conceded 18 goals in four Evo Stik Division One North games, head to Garforth – a team that has started well in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.
Miller told Non League Yorkshire: “I think it is going to be difficult.
“We wouldn’t in any way under-estimate Garforth’s ability to beat us on their own surface. there’s absolutely no doubt about that.
“They have started well in their league and the lads there have rebuilt the club from nothing and credit goes to them.
“They have got them playing good attractive football.
“We are playing them from a level above so the pressure is on. There’s no pressure on Garforth so we have to go out and perform.
“It is an unbelievable banana skin. Garforth will be looking at it and thinking they have a chance.”
Railway also have to cope with the burden of history.
Harrogate reached the second round proper under Paul Marshall in 2002 and then remarkably again in 2007 when Vince Brockie was the manager.
Miller added: “There’s loads of pressure because the club has been to the second round twice.
“When the FA Cup comes up, everyone starts talking about it.
“You only have to walk in the social club because all the memorabilia is back up.
“The club is surrounded by the history of those two runs because they are so recent.
“There is added pressure. Will we see the kind of run from a team at our level again?
“Ten years ago, people would have said ‘no’. The club’s history is phenomenal.
“To reach the second round once is an achievement in itself, but to reach it twice in five years is a phenomenal achievement.”