Imps on the march against The Generals

The Imps travel to National League South Chesham United tonight (Monday, November 4) in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup (7.15pm KO).

Their opponents currently play in the Vanarama National League South following promotion from the Southern League Premier Division South, winning that league in 2023.

Tonight’s fixture has been selected for TV coverage and can be seen on ITV4.

The Generals have started their season well, sitting comfortably in mid-table and secured progression to the first round of the Emirates FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Yeovil Town.

Unbeaten in their last five in all competitions and Chesham will be hoping to complete an upset to make it to the second round, but City’s Head Coach Michael Skubala (pictured) believes the match could be the start of a good run in the competition.

“We know it’s going to be a very tough game. They’re a good team, they’ve got big hearts and they’ll run and fight all day, so it’s going to be a combative game. We’re going to have to show our quality on the day, as well as our intensity and drive - we have to be on it. We’re not the underdogs, we’re the favourites and that brings a different pressure, so we have to train and focus well, and take the game to them as much as possible.

“Substitutes have to impact the game when they come on, and everyone that has come on has done that.

When they do get that start they then have to start well and keep the shirt. It’s a great challenge for me at the moment because I trust everyone in the squad that plays, and we’re just tinkering to try and get things right. First and foremost it starts on the training pitch and then it’s transferring that to game day.

“We want to go on a good run, and winning can become a habit. We have to keep driving and trying to win every game. It’s not just about the 11, it’s about the squad, and as a team we want to win every game. Whatever team we put on the pitch the habit is winning, and as we start to win and play better football we start to move in the right direction.”

Fun facts – Chesham United is known as The Generals because the club was formed in 1917 by merging Chesham Town and Chesham Generals. The team is sponsored by Channel 4 programme Taskmaster as its creator, comedian Alex Horne is a director.

For more and midfielder JJ McKiernan’s thoughts ahead of the game see www.weareimps.com.

Photo: Vaughan Photographic.