Russ Wilcox’s message as Gainsborough prepare for FA Cup first round clash with Football League opposition

Last season, the Holy Blues made it to the second round for the first time in 72 years.

Now, they have an opportunity to make it back-to-back as they take on League Two side Accrington Stanley in the first round on Sunday, in front of the TNT Sports cameras.

It is also Gainsborough’s first home tie in the proper rounds since 2017, and because of that, Wilcox admits the feeling around the club is slightly different.

“It’s a great reward for the community of Gainsborough,” he said on the latest episode of the NPL Show.

“The cup runs over the past two years have really brought the community together, and there’s a real feel-good factor at the club now.

“When I first came in, crowds were low and there wasn’t much happiness around the place, but I think we’ve sold 2,000 tickets at the moment. We all work well together, and this is our reward.”

Gainsborough have defeated Corby Town, Rushall Olympic, Dunston and Hartlepool Town in the qualifying rounds to get to this position -  the latter seeing them go through a midweek replay away at the National League side to progress to the first round.

It was a similar story to last season, when Russ Wilcox’s side travelled to Step 1 opposition in Boston United for a fourth qualifying round replay and came out on the right side of a convincing scoreline.

In last year’s first round, however, Gainsborough came into proceedings as favourites against then-NPL West Division side Hednesford Town.

They found themselves 3-0 down at Keys Park before winning dramatically on penalties.

This time they face off against EFL opposition, and Wilcox says having “no pressure” on his side will play into their hands.

“That underdog mentality means that there’s less pressure. We’re expected to get beaten as they’re three leagues above us,” he added.

“That means we can play with a little bit of freedom, whilst also respecting Accrington and making the game difficult for them.

“As an underdog, you can win games, but it’s not very often. 

“If Accrington show the quality they’ve got and we have an off day, we could get turned over, similarly to how Grimsby Town got beaten 5-0 by Brentford on Tuesday.

“So, we have to put things into perspective a little about how difficult the task is, but we’re really excited by it as well, and I feel we’ve got a good opportunity [to win].”

Only four teams below the sixth tier remain in the FA Cup, and Gainsborough are the final remaining NPL representative.

Given the decision to move the game to a Sunday 5:15 pm kick-off to allow it to be televised, there is plenty of scope for EFL clubs in the area to come and support their local non-league side. 

Wilcox admits that he’s been feeling the support, not only from those clubs, but from the wider NPL community too.

“I’ve had messages from Doncaster Rovers fans, from Scunthorpe United fans, the Retro Rovers walking football group, all saying they’re going to come to the game,” he said.

“They’re not Gainsborough fans, but they’re very supportive of the local area, and it’s just great to see that everybody wants to be part of something successful.

“Hopefully we do see some people from the likes of Lincoln City, Doncaster. Then if they come and have a great time, maybe they could come and make us their second club when their teams are away and we’re at home, which would be amazing.”

And finally, Wilcox’s rallying cry to the fans?

“Get behind the team from minute one until the final whistle, because it could be a rollercoaster of a ride.

“They’re going to be some difficult moments in the game, but hopefully there’ll be some quality ones too.

“Back us all the way. Ticket sales are going great, but make sure you’re loud and proud on the day as well.”