The Emirates FA Cup third round draw commences this evening and Cheltenham Town will be a part of it for the first time since 2012 – when the Robins were drawn against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
“I can’t wait for the draw,” says striker Alfie May with a beaming smile on his face. “Since I was a young kid, I’ve always wanted to go and perform in the FA Cup so hopefully we’ll get a big draw tonight, I’m hoping for Liverpool!”
Cheltenham boss Michael Duff said that he wanted to face his former club Burnley but for May, he says that it would an incredible experience to play against his boyhood club.
“All of my family support Liverpool so to play at Anfield against them would be quite a nice away tie.
“Anyone can beat anyone in this competition, we saw that with Marine the other night. It’s anyone’s to take at the minute and anything is possible so a big draw away would be massive.”
The 27-year-old has spent the majority of his career in non-league and is no stranger to scoring against similar sides in the FA Cup.
“Last season I played Chorley at home when I was with Doncaster. I scored four goals so to grab a hat trick in the FA Cup was amazing. I’ve got the match ball framed in my house and I’m always so proud whenever I see it. I just look at it and realise that I’m doing my dream job and that I’m able to tell my kids that I’ve scored a hat trick in the FA Cup.”
Once the Robins’ cup fate is decided, May and the rest of the Cheltenham team will set their focus to Bradford City on Tuesday night
“It [Valley Parade] is a very tough place to go, they’re a very good side and they’ve got some good players. It’s definitely going to be another tough test and hopefully we’ll be back on the coach after the game with another three points.”
So far, the striker has netted three goals in all competitions for the Robins this season and will be looking to add to his tally against the 20th placed Bantams.
“I feel like I’m getting back to my best ability so I’m hoping that I can prove that on the pitch on Tuesday night.
“I think a lot of stuff fell to me last year and I want to get on that scoring run again but as long as we’re still getting the results and winning games then that’s the most important thing.”