So, the road to the FA Cup proper is a little clearer now, after yesterday's draw at Wembley. And, it's a game with a bit of spice.
Last season, after the miracle that was the last game of the regular league season, when not only did Thurrock have to lose against Tilbury but Needham Market had to overturn a sizeable goal difference disadvantage against Chatham Town and both happened (the Marketmen won 7-1!), the play-off semi-final saw Needham Market travel to Witham Town.
Witham won 1-0 with an 88th minute winner, helped in part by the presence on the pitch of a loanee from Needham Market. It had been understood that there was in place a gentlemen's agreement that he wouldn't play, but Witham Town's management appear not to have understood the meaning of the word.
Manager Mark Morsley rather presciently noted in his review of last season;
I would say that I am glad that Witham Town achieved promotion; that means I will not have face them next season. Mind you the FA competitions have a habit of throwing up interesting games.
It's certainly not an easy game, but it is a winnable one potentially, and given that there wasn't a harder fourth qualifying round draw possible than the Conference leaders last year, supporters can perhaps dream of a big day in early November.
Sadly, I won't be there, as I'll be in Lisbon, but I'll be following events on Twitter with interest and optimism...
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