Chris Ayres admitted his enormous “pride” at leading Flackwell Heath into the FA Cup fourth qualifying round for the first time in 21 years – even if the trip of a lifetime means he will not be around for their big day.
The Step 4 Heathens stunned higher-ranked Southern Premier South Bracknell Town 3-0 in their third qualifying round replay in Berkshire on Tuesday night to set up a trip to Essex this coming Saturday.
But boss Ayres will not be there to mastermind another cup shock, as he jetted out to South Africa for a two-week holiday the day after Heath overcame a second Step 3 side in the competition, following an earlier victory over Lewes.
Speaking to The NLP before flying from London, he said: “We booked this holiday a long time ago. How’s that for timing, eh?
Faith
“But I have every faith in my coaching team – we’re very close and they’re very experienced, we’re also friends away from football.
“They’ll get everything spot-on and, come kick-off time, I will be following it nervously on social media from afar I’m sure.
“It would be history if we could reach the FA Cup first round proper for the first time.”
The names of two of the Heathens’ goalscorers at the SB Stadium on Tuesday night have a familiar ring to them; Jamie, 21, and Matthew Ayres, 25 – the sons of the manager – with Ben Stallard completing the scoring.
Thankfully for the Heathens, the midfielders will not be joining their parents on their trip south, so will line-up with their team-mates against their Isthmian North opponents next weekend.
Family
“It has to be very rare for two brothers to score in the same round of the cup,” Ayres snr continued.
“Tuesday was great for us as a family, although I am probably the boys’ harshest critic at times.
“But they take it and they know they have to perform to get in the side. We are a better side with them in the team.
“My wife was buzzing with what we achieved and I am very proud. I let my assistant Paul Shone be the bad cop with them if someone needs to be!”
Believe
Ayres, whose day job is as a coach at an academy based at Bisham Abbey, has faith in the team he has built.
A local man, he has great affection for the club and now wants a shot at an EFL side in round one – when he’s back from his hols!
He added: “We’re very close now and we have to believe. This cup run has taken over, really. You start thinking about what could happen, but it has been draining at times.
“The chairman is a happy man at the moment, and in fairness, he always thinks whatever happens in the cup is a bonus.
“It’s nice to put some money in the club coffers and the lads get a little bonus – we don’t have the biggest budget in the league.
“Five or six of the boys have come through the club’s junior set-up, and I believe the bulk of the side have the capability to play Step 3 football.”
READ MORE: FA Cup preview: All Step 4 battle adds pressure, claims Maldon & Tiptree boss Kevin Horlock
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