Thatcham Town manager Jamie Leacock thrilled with FA Trophy run after Sholing victory

Thatcham Town manager Jamie Leacock believes his side are capable of continuing their FA Trophy cup run.

The Kingfishers beat Sholing in the second qualifying round of the competition on Saturday and needed a penalty shootout to do so.

Thatcham took the lead through Lamin Ceesay, but Sholing equalised four minutes from time to send the game to penalties.

From there, Town keeper Chris Rackley was the hero as he denied both Claudio Herbert and Robin Nicholl on the way to a 3-2 win.

“It was another good result for us because Sholing are a good side and they’re going well in their league,” admitted Leacock.

“We came through a tough game and got a deserved win and even though we conceded four minutes from time, we were well worth the win.

“The aim is to get into the next round and we did that, but when you play against a good side you have to realise that you have to step up and we did that.

“It will do wonders for confidence and hopefully we can now see a bit of momentum building for us.”

As a reward for winning on Saturday, Thatcham will now face a trip to Cinderford Town in the next round, with the tie taking place on October 30.

“You always want a home game and it’s not the case, but we could’ve got a Step 3 team and we haven’t, we have got a team from our level and a team that we know.

“It will be a physical game, but I believe we are capable of beating them,” he added.

Prior to the cup game, Thatcham have three league matches and it starts with Hanwell Town at home on Saturday.

“They are one of the favourites to go up, so it will be another tough game for us and we’re under no illusions about that.

“Football is a game where once you get that habit of winning, momentum builds and the boys will be in good spirits ahead of the game.”