Lincoln United are setting out to go one better than they did in the Isuzu FA Vase last season.
The Whites managed a club-record run to the semi-finals under now-former manager Chris Funnell, before eventual winners Romford knocked them out in an agonising penalty shootout to reach the showpiece Wembley Stadium final.
Speaking to The Linc, United boss Scott Hellewell said: “We set out at the start of the season that the main priority was the league, but we want to do well in the cups. We want to try and replicate what they did last season, and go one better.
“You need a bit of luck along the way, and we’ve got a difficult tie against Eastwood. We’re the top two in our league at the minute, so the draw could’ve been easier.
“But, to do well in a competition you need to beat the best teams. We would have preferred it to be at home, but it’s not a million miles away for us. We will go there and try to win.”
Lincoln United rode their luck last season, beating South Liverpool, Hallam FC and Deal Town in consecutive penalty shootouts to reach the semi-finals.
The FA Vase carries with it a boost for the club’s support, while also boosting the all-important coffers.
Hellewell said: “It’s always giving something back to the club if you can do well, obviously every little helps and the deeper you go in the competition the more money you get from it. It’s like repaying the club for looking after you throughout the season.”
The dramatic spot-kicks loss to Romford was played out after the two sides could not be separated across two games of football. It cruelly ended the dream of heading to Wembley, but also brought in excess of 1,000 spectators to Ashby Avenue’s Sun-hat Villas & Resorts Stadium.
The Whites will travel to Eastwood CFC on Saturday, November 9.