Pic: Matt Bradshaw
GORDON BARTLETT says Wealdstone's players got a glimpse of what it can be really like when times are good as they pulled off an FA Trophy upset at Southport.
Bartlett's National League South side took the scalp of the Step 1 Sandgrounders last Saturday and will now host National League North Brackley Town in the third round.
In 2012, then in the Ryman Premier, the Stones beat Cambridge United on their way to the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Newport County over two legs.
Last week's win in the north-west has stirred the memories for the 1985 winners but Bartlett was more pleased they continued their recent good run of results in a season of ups and downs.
“The fans at Southport were brilliant, we took about 300,” Barlett said. “When you share your success with other people who are passionate it's enjoyable. They really got behind us.
“We're a unique football club and one that's gradually been climbing over the last few years and we want to continue that.
“We're only going to do that with good, solid people around the place. Supporters, players, management, the board – it's all part of where we want to end up.
“It was lovely on Saturday sharing it. It certainly made the trip home quicker. You play for moments like that. Where you play against a team from the higher league, or you win something, there's no better feeling.
“I felt quite emotional at the end of the game. We've been having a tough time. Myself and the players have had a fair amount of criticism this year.
“To share that victory in front of so many passionate people who travelled all that way and still have faith is important.
“Probably for the first time this year the players saw how our fans can be. I've seen it many times. Hopefully they want more of that.”
And Bartlett knows the size of the task in hand against Kevin Wilkin's Brackley.
“They beat us in pre-season and anyone who gets a big result against Gillingham in the FA Cup can't be a bad side,” Bartlett said.
“So make no bones, it's a very difficult draw against a side who are going very well this year.”
Elsewhere in the third round draw, Forest Green Rovers travel to the first ever winners of the FA Trophy, Macclesfield Town.
FA Cup heroes Sutton United will welcome Boreham Wood while Dulwich Hamlet are the one Step 3 representative – they have been drawn away to National League side Braintree Town.
National League leaders Lincoln City are off to National League South Welling United – the two clubs have agreed to play to a result on the day with extra-time and penalties if required.
