Past results mean nothing says McFarlane

Hornchurch manager Jimmy McFarlane admits past results will count for nothing when his side visit fierce rivals Billericay in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup today.

Urchins enjoyed a 1-0 win at New Lodge last season before both clubs eventually secured promotion to the Conference South and they had the better of a 1-1 draw there last month.

But McFarlane insists past trends and recent form will have little influence on the outcome when the two local rivals meet

“Past results and current form will not count for anything,” he said.

“This is the FA Cup, the oldest competition in the world. Recent performances won’t come into it and games against Billericay are always tight.

“The fact it’s an FA Cup game will give it extra spice because only one team can emerge from the tie as the winner.

“But that could make it a more open game, so we are looking forward to it.

“When the draw was made we thought we were a bit unlucky in coming up against our biggest rivals and I think Billericay might have thought the same.

“It makes it very difficult for both clubs, but you’ve got to try and beat whoever is put in front of you.

“We will give them the respect they deserve but we’ll go into the game with confidence.”