FA Cup: Hastings United's run inspires rivals Guernsey
Last updated on .From the section Football
Guernsey FC midfielder Angus MacKay says they will draw inspiration from Hastings United's FA Cup run last season when they meet them on Saturday.
The islanders hope to eliminate the Sussex side in the first qualifying round of this year's competition.
"Hasting made it to the third round proper [last year], and we could argue that we can do the same.
"This is our second FA Cup game, so this is a really good opportunity for everyone," MacKay told BBC Guernsey.
He missed the win against Crawley Down Gatwick in their previous tie, but is expected to return to the Green Lions' squad, with Jamie Dodd also returning from injury.
Goalkeeper Chris Tardif will reclaim his place after missing Wednesday's league win at Burgess Hill Town.
"I've played in the competition once before and lost, so I'm really looking forward to hopefully getting back involved," said MacKay.
"Not may of the guys have played in the competition before, apart from Zico (Ryan-Zico Black) and Chris Tardif, who would have played in it as well."
Hastings will have home advantage but pursuing a dream of hosting a game in the world's oldest cup competition themselves is also a powerful motivator for Guernsey against their Isthmian League rivals.
The club, founded in 2011, had to meet a set of financial conditions imposed by the Football Association to enter the FA Cup and FA Trophy this season.
"To bring an FA Cup game to the island for the first time would be be fantastic, especially for all those fans who travel, and I'm sure we we would get a big crowd for it," MacKay added.
The Arrows, who reached the third round proper before going out to Middlesbrough, start their campaign against their fellow Isthmian League side.
