Striker Joe Iaciofano on current squad making more 'amazing' Hawks FA Cup memories and having chance to face Premier League idols

Striker Joe Iaciofano is determined to seize the chance to move a step closer to potentially rubbing shoulders with some of his Premier League idols.
Hawks striker Joe Iaciofano. Picture: Dave HainesHawks striker Joe Iaciofano. Picture: Dave Haines
Hawks striker Joe Iaciofano. Picture: Dave Haines

But the forward has warned the Hawks they can take nothing for granted in their televised FA Cup first round encounter with Cray Valley PM on Sunday.

Paul Doswell's side know they are just two wins away from a possible meeting with some of the biggest clubs in the country.

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The Hawks and their boss are no strangers to huge FA Cup ties and Iaciofano is hoping the current squad can emulate that this season.

Shaun Gale guided the club to a dream day out at Anfield in 2008, where they were beaten 5-2 by Liverpool after leading twice in a fourth round meeting.

Prior to that, giant-killing wins had arrived against Swansea, Notts County and York City on a memorable run.

Current boss Doswell also has FA Cup pedigree of his own, taking former club Sutton to the fifth round in 2017 where they were beaten 2-0 by Premier League giants Arsenal at Gander Green Lane.

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Those type of runs in the FA Cup can be life-changing for clubs and players operating in the lower reaches.

And Iaciofano is hoping he can be part of something similar with the Hawks this season.

‘If we could emulate that it would be amazing (previous Hawks FA Cup upsets),’ said the Hawks' striker.

‘To play against potentially a Premier League club would be incredible.

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‘From a personal point of view, playing against the people you idolise would be amazing.

‘If we can keep Havant’s great streak with the FA Cup going that would be a real bonus.

‘You’ve seen it with the gaffer, he had it at Sutton, he couldn’t speak higher of an FA Cup run and everything that comes with it.

‘The media attention and just the buzz around the club is amazing.

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‘We could feel that even in a game against Bath in the last round who were in our league.

‘There’s something quite special about an overnight stay and the feeling of the team that we got.‘It was really good and it’s exciting.'

Many will be tipping the Hawks to come through the tie against two-divisions lower Cray Valley with ease.

But they reached the first round after battling back from two goals down to secure a brilliant 3-2 victory at Maidenhead United last month.

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With the FA Cup a breeding ground for surprise results down the years, Iaciofano knows his team-mates must be on their game if they are to make it through.

‘You can’t rule out anyone in the cup.‘It’s whoever wants it more on the day, that’s a fact.

‘You’ve seen bigger upsets than Cray and Havant so it’s all to play for on the day.

‘We’ve got to be at it, prepare right, which we always do, and the gaffer will make sure of that.’

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