Journalism & News from Bournemouth University

Salisbury FC midfielder eyes FA Cup shock against Blackpool

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Malachi Ogunyele celebrating after the match. Credit: Kiera Smith.

Salisbury FC midfielder Malachi Ogunleye says he is “absolutely buzzing” after the club were drawn at home against League One side Blackpool in the second round of the FA Cup.

He described it a major occasion for the club and players.

Salisbury reached the second round after beating Southampton side Sholing 6-0 in the first round on Saturday with two goals from Nathan Odokonyero and strikes by Josh Hedges, Jeremy Sivi, Luke Russe and Jaiden Bartolo.

Ogunleye said: “I am absolutely buzzing for this fixture. It’s a massive game for the club and personally a massive game.

“This could definitely put the club on the map. We already made some noise this season with our trip to Kuwait, so a win here will only increase that noise.”

The Whites travelled to Kuwait for a friendly match in September thanks to links with the owner Ali Alhamad, who hails from the Middle East country.

The National League South side are in impressive form. They are currently 14 matches unbeaten with only one loss at home this season.

The home tie will give the club confidence as they have won all five of their FA Cup games at home this season.

Salisbury’s team huddle before a recent game. Credit: Kiera Smith

This is the club’s first time past the qualification rounds and furthest they been in the competition.

With Salisbury boasting a young squad, the Blackpool tie on the weekend of December 5-6 will be many players’ toughest test of their careers.

With the tie being at home this will only give the players more confidence.

Despite the gap between the sides, midfielder Malachi Ogunyele is confident Salisbury can make the tie competitive.

He said: “I believe that we can cause an upset. It’s going to be a difficult task as Blackpool are a massive League One side, but we believe we can do it if we play to our game and take the pressure of ourselves.”

A victory would secure Salisbury a place in the third round of the FA Cup.

This could potentially set up and even bigger draw for the club with premier league side entering the competition at round three.