Preview | A step into the unknown

16 hours ago

2 min read

City get back on the Emirates FA Cup trail on Saturday as we head to Mulbarton Wanderers in the third round qualifying.

Last season saw our opponents win the treble as they secured the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division title to go along with triumphs in the League Challenge Cup and Norfolk Senior Cup.

Competing in the Isthmian League North Division (Step 4), where they have won three and lost three of their opening six League games.

Their Emirates FA Cup run has seen them overcome the challenge of Lakenheath in the Extra Preliminary Round before winning 1-0 against Little Oakley in the Preliminary Round to set up a tie with Cornard United, who they beat 3-0 before beating Woodford Town on Tuesday after their original victory was over-turned following an error by the match officials.

It will be a step into the unknown for City and Ethan Dunbar, who has scored twice this week, including a late leveller against Plymouth Parkway in our last game on Tuesday evening.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this far east,” said Dunbar as he looked ahead to Saturday’s game. “It’s a trip into the unknown for us, and a chance to showcase what we can do and get some extra momentum into our League games.

“I’ve been fortunate to have had some good days in the FA Cup during my career and hopefully I can add to that on Saturday.

“It was good to get the monkey off my back by opening my scoring account last weekend and then, like buses, another one came straight away in the last game.

“I want to keep helping the team as much as I can. This club means a lot to me and I want to make an impact.

“We played well throughout the game on Tuesday against strong opponents who are flying high for a reason.

“I felt that we were the better team overall, it was just that last bit where we were not quite there. Of course, I was happy to come on and make my mark on the game.

“The backing of the fans was important; we need them to keep backing us and we thank those who will be making the long trip with us on Saturday.”