Fenn wants Foxes to prove their credentials against Felxstowe & Walton

Ilford boss Allan Fenn is hoping the FA Cup will give his side a chance to prove they can compete at a higher level, as they prepare to host Felixstowe & Walton United on Saturday.

The Essex Senior League side meet the Seasiders in the preliminary round, after an impressive 9-0 romp over Burnham Ramblers two weeks ago.

And the Foxes will look to build on Tuesday’s 3-3 draw at Sawbridgeworth to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

But Felixstowe present a tricky test as they sit third in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, winning their opening game of the season against FC Clacton by eight goals.

Fenn said: “Felixstowe are a good attacking side who are scoring goals for fun at the moment. If we defend like we did the other night against Sawbridgeworth then we could be out of the game by half time.

“In my opinion they will be the best side we will play so far this season, so we’ll have to raise our game.

“We know they have lots of experience and pace in their side so it’s not going to be easy, but I have confidence that the players are capable of upping their game and getting a result.

“In pre-season we’ve been playing sides of this level and matching them in terms of performance. In my opinion Ilford are a Ryman quality team playing in the Essex Senior League.

“It would be lovely to get through and earn some money for the club, but I just want to build on the second-half performance from Tuesday.”

Both teams compete at a similar level in the football pyramid, but Fenn admits his Foxes may have to sacrifice cup success in order to reach their aspirations of promotion to the Ryman North.

He added: “Our priority is the league and we want to finish as high up as we possibly can. An FA Cup run would be a bonus, but for now our main focus is on trying to get points on the board in the league.

“In the last round the players earned £1,500 for us, which is a massive contribution for a team with not much money. Anything extra from there is a bonus.

“I feel it’s wrong to prioritise the league over the FA Cup and it’s a competition which I hold with high regard, but we’ve got a must-win fixture on Monday (at Tower Hamlets) and it’s a lot to demand from the players.

“The FA Cup can be a distraction for us, but I always go out and try to win every game I play.”