Brackley planning 'big day out' against Stockport

Gavin Cowan has been Brackley Town boss since May 2023

Brackley Town are planning a "day to remember" at Stockport as they look to reach round three of the FA Cup for the first time in their history.

The Northamptonshire club have made it into the second round draw on four occasions but never gone any further.

But they are eighth in National League North and unbeaten in six matches, having won at Rushall Olympic on Tuesday, when Miracle Okafor scored the only goal of the game.

"It's a massive task ahead, with the injuries we've got, and we need to overcome that as well, but we'll be fully prepared, and excited and ready to go when the time arrives," boss Gavin Cowan told BBC Radio Northampton.

"You have to play the cards you're dealt, we're a strong group and will pull together - all the injured players will be in and around the changing room - and we know what we've got (available) is still very competitive."

Stockport have not been in the third round draw since 2001-02, and needed extra-time to see off Forest Green Rovers in round one.

But they are on a four-game winning streak in League One and are currently fourth in the table, as they target back-to-back promotions.

Brackley have had County watched since the second round draw was made and Cowan expects his team will rise to the occasion.

"We'll prepare as we usually do, we try and do all the due diligence we can, we offer the players reports and video analysis, as much as we can, to be able to go out onto the pitch and perform.

"Every little one per cent counts but the players know what's required of them," he said.

"I'm a really big advocate of experience. When you've been there and experienced something once, you know what's about to come second time around.

"A few of our players have played in some really big occasions and they'll play a huge part.

"We're planning on making a really big day of it, we want to be really competitive and make sure we give the best account of ourselves we can.

"We're going there to win. It's a big obstacle to overcome, but why not us?"