This evening we make the journey to Mid-Sussex to take on Crawley Down Gatwick in the 1st Qualifying Round of the 2020/1 FA Cup. This will be the first ever meeting between the two clubs.

Crawley Down Gatwick were formed as recently as 1993 when three clubs decided to merge and become Crawley Down Village and took the place of Crawley Down United, one of the three clubs that merged, in the Mid Sussex League.

After winning the Premier Division title in 1994/5 they were promoted into the Sussex County League Division 3, earning promotion at the first attempt into Division 2. A lack of floodlights temporarily halted their upward momentum but this was rectified at the turn of the last decade after which they gained promotion to Division 1 straight away.

In 2010/1 they won the Sussex County League Division 1 and gained promotion to Step 4 for the first time in their history. They remained in Division 1 South of the Isthmian League until the 2013/4 season saw them relegated back to Step 5 and what is now known as the Southern Combination League.

This will be the third season in succession that we have met a club from the Southern Combination League in the FA Cup. Two years ago we needed a replay to overcome Lancing (who Crawley Down drew 1-1 with at the weekend) in the 2nd Qualifying Round whilst last season it took a late Romario Jonas goal at Little Common at this stage to secure our passage into the next round.

Crawley Down Gatwick have made an excellent start to their campaign with the draw against Lancing the first game that they have failed to win this season so far. They have beaten Crowborough Athletic (4-3) and Egham Town (3-1) to reach this stage of the FA Cup whilst in the league they have also beaten Peacehaven & Telscombe (3-1) and Horsham YMCA (3-2) in the league.

A reminder that kick-off is at 7:30pm this evening with admission at £6 for adults and £3 for blue badge holders. Children enter free of charge.

Contrary to what was previously advertised, the chairman's notes in the matchday programme suggests that that the Haven Bar may well be open before the game and at half-time for drinks and they are hoping to have their tea bar open for hot and cold drinks during the game.

Usual track and trace will apply via the evePass app - anyone without a smartphone can register manually upon arrival at the ground. Please adhere to the social distancing restrictions and we hope you enjoy the game.