Basford United boss Mark Clifford hopes his side’s FA Cup run can put the club on the map. 

Clifford has steered the Lions to the Fourth Round Qualifying for the first time ever in the club’s 122-year history thanks to a dramatic win on penalties against Boston United. 

National League South side Boston looked to be heading through when they went 2-0 ahead before half-time before Clifford’s charges fought back to claim an unlikely victory 4-2 on penalties, after drawing 3-3 following extra time. 

The club now have a plum away tie at National League side Solihull Moors and Clifford is hopeful the big tie will help get more eyes on the Pitching In Southern League Central outfit. 

“I was at a business networking event a couple of weeks ago, and someone was there from Basford and they didn’t even know the club existed,” he revealed.

“It’s really important things like this cup run give the club exposure and open opportunities for local businesses who might actually want to sponsor a player or have an advertising board.  

“It gives the club great exposure locally where we might have a few extra fans coming through or local businesses sponsoring the club.” 

The Lions have already netted over £10,00 in prize money from their cup run which has also seen Romulus and Rugby comfortably dispatched in previous rounds. 

A further £9,375 is on offer for victory against the Moors, and Clifford is pleased their cup heroics can bring some much-needed cash into the club coffers.

“Chairmen up and down the country will be dipping deep into their pockets to finance their football clubs,” added Clifford. 

“It’s great that we’re able to reward our chairman and his family with a little bit back.  

“It probably doesn’t even scratch the surface but it’s a little bit of money he won’t have to dig deep for.” 

Basford’s cup run nearly came to an end on Tuesday night as they quickly fell to a 2-0 deficit away at the Jakemans Community Stadium. 

But the Lions fought back to lead 3-2 in extra time thanks to strikes from Gregg Smith, Anthony Dwyer, and Luther Munakandafa before Scott Pollock netted his second of the game to force the game to penalties.  

But Basford held their nerve with ‘keeper Kieran Preston the hero, saving two penalties in between converting from the spot himself and Clifford admitted the game put him through a rollercoaster of emotions. 

“I think I felt every single emotion that it’s possible to feel as a manager in that game,” admitted Clifford.  

“Deflation, humiliation in the first few minutes, and then just pure elation and relief. It’s been a whirlwind since. 

“The whole club is on a high. Momentum is really important, but you can also see clubs have a bit of a dip after an FA Cup run.  

“It’s really important we manage our group and manage our expectations. 

“At some point our FA Cup run will come to an end – we aren’t going to win the FA Cup that’s for sure – so when it does, we need to make sure we’re ready to tackle the FA Trophy and progress in the league.” 

Solihull currently sit fifth in the National League, having netted 27 times in just 12 games after losing out in the play-off final to Grimsby Town last season. 

It is one of the toughest draws available for the Lions, who sit two divisions below the midlands outfit, with four wins from their opening nine league games.

But Clifford believes his side have a chance if they do their research and stick to their game plan. 

“First and foremost, it’s making sure we understand what they will look like and what threats they will pose,” said Clifford.  

“We’re going to have to be very strategic, it’s not going to be one where we can just go out there and attack.  

“We’re going to have to be very patient, make sure that we’re set up right and hopefully we get a bit of luck on the day.” 

Ladbrokes, with the support of its owner Entain, has launched a multi-million-pound investment programme, Pitching In, designed to support and promote grassroots sports. For more details see: https://entaingroup.com/sustainability/pitching-in/