Weston hoping for memorable day in FA Cup

Scott Rogers only took over as manager of Weston-super-Mare less than two weeks ago

As a player Scott Rogers experienced what cup success at Wembley felt like when he scored the only goal in the 1999 FA Vase final when Tiverton Town clinched the trophy.

These days, he is dreaming about another successful cup run, this time as manager of Weston-super-Mare, when they return to the FA Cup first round this weekend.

"It was a great way to start my football journey - 18 years old and score the last-minute winner at Wembley," Rogers told BBC Points West.

"You end up feeling like you're lucky, things go your way. Scoring that goal, you do tend to think you're in the right place at the right time, and now we're in the right place at the right time - the FA Cup first round - and you're hoping you can have another memorable day."

The National League South side have been drawn at home against National League opponents Aldershot for Saturday's game.

Weston reached the first round last season, enjoying a draw against their then League One neighbours Bristol Rovers, who they took to extra time.

But the last time they got through to the second round was in the 2003-04 season when they were beaten by Northampton Town.

They come into the Aldershot tie second in the league table under Rogers - who stepped up from assistant to manager following the departure of Scott Bartlett to Eastleigh only 11 days ago - and in excellent form, with one defeat in 16 games stretching back to August.

"These are the games you can look back on and you tell people you played in the first round," Weston defender James Pope said.

"On paper, we're quietly confident, and [it] being a home tie is a good thing as well, we're expecting a big crowd."

Rogers, meanwhile, is hoping a win in the cup can help spark growth for the club.

"I played for Forest Green and Newport and you can see what they've gone on and done. Weston's very similar, it's got so much potential," he said.

"We want to make the town proud of this football club, and having these cup runs the last two years can only enhance that."