Local sides to meet in 'big occasion' cross city FA Cup tie

This weekend, the FA Cup pits two local sides against each other when Salisbury meet Laverstock and Ford on Saturday.

Separated by three leagues and just 2.9km, Brian Dutton's side will face Liam McConnell's Lavvy in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup. 

On paper, this should be an easy win for the Whites, but that's just not how the FA Cup works, and it promises to be an interesting afternoon of football at the Ray Mac. 

Laverstock are in history-making territory. They have equalled their record of reaching the 2nd Qualifying Round, for just the second time in their history. Last time they reached this stage, they were knocked out by Taunton Town, who were then in the National League South; this time, they hope to go one better. 

So far this season, Laverstock are unbeaten and come into the game with the hope of upsetting their close neighbours. 

Lavvy Manager Liam McConnell spoke with Salisbury Radio ahead of the tie:

McConnell told Salisbury Radio, "It's going to be exciting for the City. We're certainly looking forward to it; these days don't come around too often. It's a great opportunity to go to our National League South local rivals and see what we can do against them."

On the flip side, Salisbury's start to the season hasn't been what many had been hoping for following a summer of impressive signings and high expectations under new ownership. 

Brian Dutton's side are still without a win in the league, with Dutton coming under fire from supporters, who feel that performances haven't been up to standard. 

The clubs met in pre-season, with Salisbury running out dominant winners, triumphing by five goals to nil at the Dell in mid-July. McConnell said that he doesn't look too much into pre-season games. "It's up to us to step up to the plate and show what we are about. We'll go there and give the best account we possibly can of Laverstock and Ford."

Salisbury manager Brian Dutton declined an invitation for an interview with Salisbury Radio.

Salisbury enter the competition at this round, whilst Liam McConnell's Laverstock side have already overcome Cowes Sports, Horndean, Hythe and Dibden to reach this stage, equalling their best ever cup run in the process. 

Their cup campaign started back on the 2nd August with a tie away at Cowes Sports on the Isle of Wight, with the Bulldogs drawing 2-2 away before winning the replay 2-1 back at The Dell just a couple of days later. 

They then travelled to Horndean just a couple of weeks later, winning 2-0 on the road to set up another away tie against Hythe & Dibden. Laverstock passed that test too after coming from behind against 10 men. 

The home side were down to 10 men early on when their keeper was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the box. Despite this, Hythe & Dibden took the lead early in the second half before Lavvy fought back. 

Goals from Archie Lovegrove and Chae Sykes turned the tie around for McConnell's side and into the draw for the second qualifying round. 

Tickets have been selling well for the game, with a big crowd expected. You can buy your tickets in advance here - https://salisburyfc.ticketco.events/uk/en

Due to broadcasting rights, Salisbury Radio will not be providing live match commentary of the game.