HORLEY Town's Liam Giles can't wait to face Greenwich Borough in the third round of the FA Vase on Saturday as he prepares himself to come up against one of his playing heroes.
The Millwall supporter is set to face the man he cheered on at Wembley Stadium in the Lions' 3-2 defeat to Scunthorpe United in the League One play-off final in 2009.
And Giles admitted he missed Gary Alexander's stunning equaliser after 37 minutes before seeing the striker score again two minutes later.
Alexander, more than five years later, is now playing for Horley's opponents from Southern Counties East League.
"I used to go and watch him at Millwall whenever I could but it would sometimes be hard as I would be playing on Saturdays," said Giles.
"That goal at Wembley, it's one of the best. I was there but I missed it because I went to the toilet and then there was a big roar.
"I couldn't believe it and I only saw it on television when I got home. Even though he scored another one, it wasn't as good.
"They're probably the best memories I have of him at Millwall, but because I was playing myself, I would go as and when I could to The Den.
"For that goal at Wembley though, he's a Millwall legend. "
What makes Saturday's tie even more interesting for Giles is that he plays in a position where he could come up against Alexander slightly more than if he was playing elsewhere.
"I play just in front of the back four so maybe I'll have to do a job on him," said Giles.
"It should be interesting and hopefully he plays but we win, that's the main thing.
"I am surprised he has stepped down the leagues. When I see his name, it lights up because of his Millwall days, and I remember he was at Crawley Town for a bit.
"I thought he had retired, but when I saw his name at Greenwich Borough, I was shocked. I used to be in their league with Holmesdale, and Greenwich were never a great side.
"But this year they have really come on strong, so it was surprising to see Gary's name and you do expect them to do well.
"Fair play to Gary, he's obviously enjoying it and playing both league and Vase games."
And Giles says he and his team-mates are ready to test themselves against a side who are tipped for promotion in their respective league.
"We do feel confident. If we weren't, there's no point turning up," he said.
"We have to believe we're going to do something, especially after winning in the previous round at Eastbourne.
"They were last year's semi-finalists and it was a tough performance. We had to dig in and that's what we'll be expecting to do again.
"I know the boys are all up for it. It's the furthest I've got in the competition so far. I got to the second round last year with Knaphill, so the third round is a big thing for me.
"Greenwich Borough have got some good players in their team so we're looking forward to it."
By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)
