FA Cup: Weston captain recalls 'special' Liverpool v Havant tie

Tom Jordan is hoping to replicate the "special" FA Cup run he experienced in 2007-08 when he leads out Weston-super-Mare in the first round this weekend.

The defender, now 33, reached the fourth round with Conference South side Havant and Waterlooville seven years ago, and played at Anfield in their 5-2 defeat by Liverpool.

"It's easily the highlight from my time playing," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

Weston, also in the sixth tier, host Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

Jordan, the son of former Scotland striker Joe, was in his third year with Havant when they went on their now legendary run in the competition.

The non-league side beat Bognor Regis, Fleet Town, Leighton Town, York City and Notts County before overcoming then League One Swansea 4-2 in a replay to book a trip to Anfield.

"It was Roberto Martinez who was in charge (at Swansea) and they went on to get promoted that year," Jordan recalled.

"We caught them on an off-day and we had scenes of pitch invasions, newspaper articles and all sorts of attention because we knew we were going on to face Liverpool.

"The Liverpool supporters and people at the club treated us with so much respect. We were drawing 2-2 at half-time and the Kop gave us a standing ovation.

"They appreciated it was something very special for us and it's something I'll never forget."

Jordan left Havant shortly after their FA Cup exit and had spells with Eastleigh and Sutton before joining Weston this summer.

As one of the most experienced players in the part-time Seagulls squad, Jordan has been giving advice to their younger players to prepare them for the meeting with League One side Doncaster, who are 75 places above them in the football pyramid.

"For most of the lads, this will be an early highlight of their careers," the centre-back said.

"I spoke to a couple of the lads about it. They asked if I'd played in that [Liverpool] game and I went on and on, telling them it was a special occasion and what you can achieve if you get the right draw and play well on the day.

"There's an opportunity for them to go and make themselves heroes. The pressure is on Doncaster to beat us and hopefully we can turn the tables."

It is the first time in 11 years that Weston have progressed to the first round of the Cup, and they are set to receive £6,700 from television highlights money, in addition to the £25,000 they have already earned from the competition.

The club are second-bottom of the Conference South but Jordan is confident their form can be turned around on the day.

"So far it's proved a nice distraction from a tricky start to the season," he added.

"You keep your fingers crossed for it. The message to the lads is if you prepare right and play well then you could achieve something."

Havant and Waterlooville beat Swansea in an FA Cup third-round replay to book a meeting with Liverpool in 2007-08

Havant took 6,000 fans to Anfield for their FA Cup fourth-round tie in January 2008

Richard Pacquette (l) and Alfie Potter (c) twice put Havant in front against Liverpool, but a Yossi Benayoun hat-trick sent the Reds through

Despite their Anfield defeat, Havant were able to celebrate their incredible FA Cup run