The lowdown from our opponents this weekend.
We caught up with Gosport's press officer Rob Cusack for the lowdown from our opponents on Sunday.
Up to 500 U's fans will head to the South Coast this weekend as Tony Humes takes his first steps into the historic competition as manager.
It's now just a couple of days until the U's head to Gosport Borough in the First Round in the FA Cup.
Up to 500 U's fans will head to the South Coast this weekend as Tony Humes takes his first steps into the historic competition as manager.
It's now just a couple of days until the U's head to Gosport Borough in the First Round in the FA Cup.
1) How are preparations going for this weekend's game at Privett Park?
It will also raise the capacity from around 3,600 to over 5,000. Our record attendance was 4,770 for an FA Amateur Cup game against Pegasus in 1953. Last season at the FA Trophy semi-final there were 2,900 people at the ground and in some places it was four-deep behind the barriers.
Well, the club have spent over £16,000 to install temporary seating, at both ends, in addition to two temporary terraces, in order for fans of both teams to have a better view!
Well, the club have spent over £16,000 to install temporary seating, at both ends, in addition to two temporary terraces, in order for fans of both teams to have a better view!
2) How ready are the Gosport public for the match this weekend?
With what is expected to be a big crowd at Privett on Sunday and the fact that the last few years have been fantastic for the club, it is another chance for the club to surprise more people, as has become almost regular in recent times.
There's a great deal of excitement for the game on Sunday. Not only is it a historic game for the club, the fans also know that they have a good team that, if they play as well they can, they can definitely give Colchester a game.
There's a great deal of excitement for the game on Sunday. Not only is it a historic game for the club, the fans also know that they have a good team that, if they play as well they can, they can definitely give Colchester a game.
3) Talk us through the cup run that the team have had to face to get to this stage?
We came up against Larkhall Athletic, who play two leagues below us and, despite being 2-0 ahead looking comfortable then 3-2 up with seconds to go, we drew 3-3. However, in the replay we emphasized the gap in class and won 7-0, with Matt Paterson scoring a hat-trick.
In the next round we played Maidenhead United, who play in the Conference South. In a tight game on the Saturday, we drew 1-1 before winning 3-0 at home in the replay in a comfortable victory.
In the final qualifying round, we traveled to Devon to take on Willand Rovers of the Western Premier League (Step 5) in what was a potential banana skin of a tie. It was a struggle initially on a tough pitch but, after we got the first goal, we controlled the game and won 3-1 to earn our place in the competition proper for the first time ever.
In the next round we played Maidenhead United, who play in the Conference South. In a tight game on the Saturday, we drew 1-1 before winning 3-0 at home in the replay in a comfortable victory.
In the final qualifying round, we traveled to Devon to take on Willand Rovers of the Western Premier League (Step 5) in what was a potential banana skin of a tie. It was a struggle initially on a tough pitch but, after we got the first goal, we controlled the game and won 3-1 to earn our place in the competition proper for the first time ever.
4) After last year's FA Trophy run, are Boro getting the taste for cup football?
I think that's definitely the case. In the last few seasons, The Boro have always done something that has surprised people. Last season was obviously the run to the FA Trophy final (made better by the fact we'd never been past the First Round proper before!) and avoiding relegation to finish mid table.
The season before it was the 23 game unbeaten run (longest in the country at the time) to take the club from a relegation fight, to the playoffs and eventual promotion. One thing is for sure and that's that it is never boring supporting Gosport!
The season before it was the 23 game unbeaten run (longest in the country at the time) to take the club from a relegation fight, to the playoffs and eventual promotion. One thing is for sure and that's that it is never boring supporting Gosport!
5) Which of the Gosport players should the Colchester fans be looking out for this weekend?
Matt Paterson, signed from Aldershot in the close season, has formed a fantastic partnership with Justin Bennett up front and the two have got 27 goals this season in all competitions.
Goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore has become a consistent performer in recent years and is key to any success that The Boro' have. Left back Rory Williams is a danger with his searing pace on the wing and Dan Wooden just in front of him has scored some world class goals in recent times.
Goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore has become a consistent performer in recent years and is key to any success that The Boro' have. Left back Rory Williams is a danger with his searing pace on the wing and Dan Wooden just in front of him has scored some world class goals in recent times.
6) The team are on an extended unbeaten run at the moment. What's been the secret of their success?
Now that he's added some flair to the attack, we are in a very strong position to challenge at the right end of the table this season. The recent good form of the side has raised expectations this season and a top five finish is by no means out of reach.
Manager Alex Pike holds the belief that any successful side is built on the core of a strong defence, so that has always been his main priority.
Manager Alex Pike holds the belief that any successful side is built on the core of a strong defence, so that has always been his main priority.
7) What are your hopes for Sunday's game?
Well, a win would be ideal! I personally just hope that is a good game, played in the right spirit in front of what could be a record crowd at Privett Park. It’s not going to be easy, of course, but it could have the makings of a massive upset. It's the FA Cup, anything can happen!
