Josh Hmami “proud” to be a part of Marine’s FA Cup journey

Marine striker Josh Hmami says it is a proud feeling to be a part of history with the Pitching In Northern Premier League N/West side in the Emirates FA Cup.

Neil Young’s side have defeated seven opponents so far in their FA Cup run, including victories over National League North side Chester FC, National League South’s Havant and Waterlooville and Football League Two outfit Colchester United.

“It’s a great feeling being a part of a club’s history and you do feel very proud to be paying all the fans back for their loyal support as well, even though they can’t attend I’m sure they’ll all still love the moment,” saiid Hmami.

“Everybody is proud of each other for what we have achieved.

“Looking back in the first game in the FA Cup and almost going out to Barnoldswick, it shows how much closer as a group we have become and that helps when you’re fighting with each other out on the pitch to get results, which is why we have beaten a lot of teams higher than us this season.”

Marine are only the second club from the eighth tier to progress to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round Proper, while the clash with Premier League’s Tottenham is the biggest gulf at this stage of the competition’s history.

The fixture will be played behind-closed-doors this Sunday, live on the BBC, but the Marine Travel Arena outfit have received a huge amount of support ahead of one of the biggest days in the club's history.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher helped step in to sponsor the club’s dugouts & pre-match warm up tops through his charity the JC23 Foundation, while they have also sold more than 5,750 virtual match tickets, close to their record attendance.

And soon, all focus will be on the pitch with a big 90-minutes ahead.

“It was an unbelievable feeling when we saw Tottenham’s name being pulled out to play against us.” Hmami added.

“It took a couple weeks to even sink in properly to be honest, but even now it still feels a bit surreal but regardless we are going to go out there and give 150% for the club and for each other.

“We have been allowed to train in these crazy times luckily. This has helped us a lot in preparing for a massive game on Sunday. Training has been the most intense it’s been all season and everybody at the club is ready for the challenge ahead.

“Of course we expect Tottenham to be very good on the ball and to move the ball with a good tempo to it as they have world class players all over.

“We understand we won’t have a lot of the ball, but when we do we have to try and keep it as best we can. It’s going to be hard and everybody knows that but it’s also a challenge everybody is up for.”

Where next?

Saturday's transfer list - January 9th Player movements registered with the Northern Premier League from Sunday 3rd January to Saturday 2nd January.
Hughes hoping to face strong Tottenham side Marine defender Adam Hughes says he is hoping to face Tottenham’s strongest side in this Sunday’s history-making Emirates FA Cup Third Round clash.

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