“The Big Match” is a familiar phrase to all followers of football. However, some matches are bigger than others.

On Saturday, Basingstoke Town’s players will take to the field for what is undoubtedly one of the biggest matches in the club’s 110-year history.

The FA Cup is the stuff of dreams and if Basingstoke’s underdogs can perform another giant-killing act and defeat local rivals Aldershot Town, then a place in the third round and the prospect of playing the likes of Manchester United become reality.

And there is every reason to believe it could happen.

Basingstoke upset the odds to defeat Chesterfield in round one so why shouldn’t there be another shock on Saturday?

It won’t be easy – Aldershot are a good side – but then most victories worth winning are never easy. That’s what makes them so special.

Belief will be crucial if Basingstoke are to prevail – belief among the players and management, and belief among the travelling fans who will have a key role to play if Town are to prevail.

Town manager Francis Vines certainly has the right can-do attitude without being arrogant.

He says: “It’s great to be in the second round – the club and the supporters haven’t had this for a few years now – and we’ve got a great chance of getting through.

“We can beat anybody on the day – as we proved at Chesterfield – and this next game is no different. We can beat Aldershot – and that’s what we are planning to
do.”

The Gazette wishes Basingstoke’s players all the best for Saturday. We know they will do themselves and the town proud.