ALL eyes will be on Princes Park in Dartford on Sunday as Redhill play in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in nearly 40 years – and manager Mike Maher believes the tie is too close to call.
Redhill take on Southern Counties East League side Greenwich Borough and despite the opposition playing a level lower than the Lobsters, Maher does not regard his side as favourites for the clash.
"It's a weird one and I'll be interested to see how others call it before the game," the manager said. "We play in a higher league than Greenwich and if we were at home I'd say we might be favourites, but we are going to their pitch so it will be tough to call.
"I don't think I could say either side are favourites for it. They have a fantastic squad but I'm confident that if we play to our abilities then it's a winnable match. It's even-stevens going into the game as far as I'm concerned."
Redhill rested several first-team players for Tuesday night's League Cup defeat against Ryman League Division One South leaders Burgess Hill Town.
But they are otherwise in great form, having won three and drawn one of their last four games, including beating Tonbridge Angels 2-1 in the previous round.
However, Greenwich are also in good form and are on an eight-game winning streak.
But with the Lobsters having last reached the third qualifying round in 1975, a game they lost to Crawley Town, Maher is hopeful his side can make a bit of history on Sunday.
And the Redhill boss admits the small matter of £7,500 on offer is also an incentive.
"It's our biggest FA Cup tie in 39 years. It's a massive, massive game," the manager said. "For me, it's probably on a par with the East Preston game, where we knew a win would earn us promotion, as the biggest game during my time at the club.
"We are all really looking forward to it because it's a great occasion for the club. There is also the prize money and potentially a big fourth-round qualifying tie for the winner.
"We are a small club with a limited income stream so £7,500 would be huge for a club like us. If we were to win I might be able to go to my chairman and ask for a bit extra.
"We will give Greenwich the respect they deserve, they are a decent side with some big names but if we play to our best it's a game we can win."
