Sheppey United's Connor Wilkins Takes on League Two Walsall

Connor Wilkins, a 24-year-old scaffolder and center-half for Sheppey United, has set his sights on a major upset in the FA Cup. The eighth-tier club, from the tiny Kent island of Sheppey, will be facing League Two team Walsall in the first round of the competition. Wilkins, along with his teammates, is determined to make history and take down a team that is 93 places above them in the English football hierarchy. The match will be broadcast live on national TV, and Wilkins believes it will be a night to remember for the island.

A Place in Isle of Sheppey Folklore

Wilkins and his teammates have already achieved something remarkable by securing a place in Isle of Sheppey folklore. This will be the first time in the club's 133-year history that they have reached the FA Cup first round. Despite the apparent mismatch on paper, Wilkins is confident that Sheppey United can cause an upset and create a memorable moment for the island.

The Unknown Beckons

Wilkins acknowledges that they are entering the unknown against Walsall, but he and his teammates are ready for the challenge. The excitement is palpable among the locals, and Wilkins knows that a victory against Walsall would lead to an unforgettable celebration. Regardless of the outcome, the team is prepared to give it their all and enjoy the experience.

A Community Effort

Sheppey United's match against Walsall has generated immense support, with the game being sold out. The club's Holm Park ground will be filled to its 1,400 capacity. Wilkins, who is a born-and-bred islander, goes above and beyond to support his team. He often volunteers his services for various odd jobs around the ground, including setting up a TV scaffold tower and hanging nets behind the goals to prevent balls from flying into neighboring gardens.

The Challenges of Being an Amateur Footballer

Wilkins sheds light on the demanding schedule of amateur footballers. He compares it to the complaints made by professional managers like Pep Guardiola, stating that managing a team at their level is far more tiring. Wilkins juggles his football commitments with a full-time job as a scaffolder. This means waking up at 4:30 am after a Tuesday night game, driving his lorry into London to beat the traffic, and working an 8-hour shift. The schedule often leaves him with only a few hours of sleep, but the adrenaline from the game keeps him going. Wilkins relies on quick meals and energy drinks to sustain him throughout the day.

Enjoying the Occasion

Despite the challenges, Wilkins emphasizes the importance of enjoying these special moments. He recalls a time when he had to let his boss down after a late-night penalty shootout victory. Wilkins and his teammates celebrated their win until the early hours of the morning, causing him to miss work. However, he believes that such occasions are rare and should be cherished, especially when you're an amateur player.

A Birthday Celebration

For Wilkins' teammate Dan Birch, the FA Cup match against Walsall holds even more significance. It falls on his baby son Logan's first birthday. Although Logan will have to stay at home with his mother, Birch sees it as a memorable coincidence that he will be playing in the FA Cup on his son's special day. Birch looks forward to telling Logan about this extraordinary experience when he's older.