Gloucester City manager Mike Cook thinks his side’s second-half performance kept them in the FA Cup after a 1-1 draw away at Whitby Town on Saturday.
🕰 92’ on the clock, City look to be heading out of the @EmiratesFACup. However @JoeHanks13 has other ideas. 👀 pic.twitter.com/vsquRm6zq7
— Gloucester City AFC (@GCAFCofficial) October 6, 2019
“I think we sort of got away with one a little bit,” Cook said.
“On chances, it looked like we had about 20 to their 14, and I think second half we were a lot better and should have gone on to win it, but luckily we are in the next round at the moment.”
He missed his side’s draw on Saturday, leaving his coaching staff in charge, but he is excited for Monday night’s replay at the Jubilee Stadium.
Cook knows that his team’s drive and resilience has been vital this season.
“It shows a bit of resilience, because even when we haven’t played that well this season, we’ve still hung in there and gone on to get a draw or win,” he said.
If the Tigers progress against Whitby, they will face Southern Premier League side Stourbridge in the fourth qualifying round, but Cook is keeping his focus on the replay.
The winners of tonight's #EmiratesFACup tie between @GCAFCofficial and @WhitbyTownFC will play @StourbridgeFC at home in the 4th qualifying round.
— Gloucester City AFC (@GCAFCofficial) October 7, 2019
Fixture will take place on Saturday 19th of October.
“If they’re in the league below us, I think they’re doing quite well, but we’ve got to really fixate on tonight and then see what happens.”
But for the club, any progression in the FA Cup is pivotal to keeping them alive, and Cook knows any extra money is important.
“It’s massive, because this season’s all about going back home to Gloucester, so any extra money we can get will be vitally needed.
“We’ve got to make sure if we get an opportunity to progress, and get a little more money for the club, then every penny counts.”
Gloucester City face Whitby at the Jubilee Stadium in Evesham on Monday, kicking-off at 7:45pm.