FA Cup preview: All Step 4 battle adds pressure, claims Maldon & Tiptree boss Kevin Horlock

A Step 4 team is guaranteed in the main draw after the Isthmian North Jammers were drawn at home to Southern League Division One Central Flackwell Heath.

As well as promotion, an FA Cup run has been a target for Horlock’s side and their ambitious owners, Barrie and Scott Drewitt-Barlow.

Maldon will no doubt be the favourites, but Flackwell Heath’s 3-0 win over Step 3 Bracknell Town in midweek shows they are not to be underestimated.

Tough

“I’ve watched the highlights of that game and they did really well,” Horlock told The NLP. “Defensively, they look really strong. The keeper made some really good saves – and that’s what you need at this stage of the competition.

“To win at a Step 3 team away from home when probably nobody gave them a chance tells you they are made of stern stuff.

“It’s going to be a really tough game. There’s a lot on it for both teams. We’ll be going all guns blazing trying to get into the first round.”

Horlock left Needham Market to head up the big project at Maldon, where he had a previous spell as manager.

The facilities have been completely transformed, the club is enjoying a high profile in the media, and they’ve attracted big-name signings like Freddie Sears, Gary Hooper and former Dagenham & Redbridge keeper Elliot Justham.

PRESSURE: Maldon boss Kevin Horlock

Pressure

Ex-Manchester City, Swindon and Ipswich midfielder Horlock fully accepts they are expected to win the title – but he’s loving the pressure.

“It’s weird because when I stopped playing professional football, it was the pressure I probably missed the most,” Horlock said.

“The interaction with people and being in the dressing room was something I really enjoyed – probably one of my strengths was being involved in the team, the joker.

“But the pressure of having to win games of football, having to prepare properly, having to do your homework on opposition, having to perform on a Saturday when the spotlight is on you – I missed that pressure.

“Not a lot of Non-League clubs have that pressure. Maldon is different.

“It is like a professional outfit in terms of the way they do things. But the pressure is on. It’s a results business. Football always has been, and I struggle when it’s not.

“I’ve embraced it and enjoyed it. There’s times when the heat is really on. We’ve had it games this season where we’re not winning comfortably.

Shocked

“Concord came to us on Tuesday and had a right go at us. It probably shocked us a bit because most teams have sat in.

“We found ourselves playing well but a goal down. We ended up getting 1-1, then 2-1 up and they scored to make it 2-2 with ten minutes to go.

“It looked like it was two points dropped, but we stayed calm and ended up getting a penalty.

“For me, Tuesday’s game with a last-minute penalty is as big as beating a team 5-0 because it shows you’ve got character and they never know when they’re beaten. That’s a great attribute to have.

“Every team I’ve had success with – playing or management – they had that. It’s pleasing to see.”