View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 12: Dons Qualify for FA Cup

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon took time off from the 2010-11 Football Conference National campaign for the Fourth Qualifying Round of the 2010-11 FA Cup against Basingstoke Town at the Camrose on Saturday, Oct. 23.

"Training this week has been centred around Saturday's important FA Cup tie against Basingstoke," Brown said over the week. "Taking into consideration that Basingstoke have won their last five games and beaten Eastleigh and Bromley comprehensively in the league, I've left our players in no doubt that Saturday will be a very difficult game against in-form opposition.

"As this is our first entry into this year's FA Cup, it is necessary to drill into the players the importance of this competition to the club, themselves and the fans. One of the joys of being a non-league side is that once a year you get the opportunity to take a much larger scalp, and I think it is about time that this club joined in the party as far as the FA Cup is concerned.

"I have emphasised to the boys that we are currently one of the biggest scalps in Saturday's draw and I am in no doubt that Basingstoke will be fired up for Saturday's encounter.  Training has gone well this week, with the return of Ricky Wellard, Steven Gregory and Sammy Moore, who all picked up knocks against Gateshead last Saturday.

"I won't personally be looking to make too many changes on Saturday, although there will be scope on the bench as we can have seven substitutes available for the FA Cup.

"I am pleased to say that Reece Jones made the starting 11 for the Welsh Under-19 side in the UEFA competition for players of that age. Reece was the only non-league player who made the starting lineup and, as part of a comprehensive set of fixtures, he will no doubt be involved in the two remaining games to be played over the next few days."

Ed Harris was the hero for the Dons, scoring a goal in the 71st minute to see Wimbledon advance to the first round proper in a 1-0 victory.

Up next for the Wombles is a home tie with the Quakers of Darlington F.C. in Football Conference National play. Kickoff at Kingsmeadow's Cherry Red Records Stadium is scheduled for Oct. 30 at 10:00 a.m. ET.