For the first time in eight years, Wycombe Wanderers will face York City when the two sides meet in the first round of the FA Cup this weekend.
Both clubs are going well in their respective divisions with the Chairboys sitting second in League One, whilst the Minstermen are top of the National League.
Despite Wanderers being favourites, they have got a terrible home record in the competition in recent seasons, as they have been eliminated in each of the last three campaigns at home by lower league opposition without scoring.
I spoke to Gabriel Ramsey York Press about this weekend’s fixture.
How would you assess York's start to the season so far?
York’s season so far has been superb, it has been a breath of fresh air compared to recent years. Adam Hinshelwood has got his side playing some fantastic football, and having only survived on the final day of the last two seasons, it’s refreshing to see a York side that are considered favourites for a lot of the fixtures they have played. There has been a passion put back into the City, and the togetherness throughout everyone involved with the club right now is something truly special. York have lost just one match all season, which came two months ago, and have looked defensively impenetrable at times.
Will York treat this differently to a league match?
I don’t believe so. Having spoke to both Adam Hinshelwood and goalkeeper Harrison Male, they have made it clear that they intend to attack the Wycombe match as they would any other, and are not considering it as a free hit. York are eager to impress and see this match as a good test to monitor their progress from the last 8 months.
Wycombe have got a terrible record in the FA Cup in recent years. They've been knocked out of the competition at the first round stage in each of the last three seasons to lower league opponents, at home, without scoring. Will York use this to their advantage?
That gives me some confidence! York will go to Wycombe full of belief that they can take something from the match, and will likely refuse to deter away from their patient possession playing style, which could cause problems for Wycombe. Adam Hinshelwood doesn’t tend to consider past matches for the opposition, but the players might see that as something that adds extra incentive for them.
Who are the players to look out for?
Ollie Pearce scored over 40 goals in the sixth tier last season under Adam Hinshelwood, before the pair both made the step up to York. He has got six goals and two assists in his last four matches, and seems full of confidence. Joe Felix has also been fantastic at right-back, left-back, central midfield or on the wing, wherever he has played. The defensive partnership of Callum Howe and Malachi Fagan-Walcott has also proved to be superb.
What's your score prediction?
I have full confidence that York can go and cause an upset, but considering Wycombe’s good form and position in League One, it would be foolish to overlook their quality too. I would say 1-1, with the match going to penalties and York winning.
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