Morgan ready for another taste of Cup history with Wanderers

Very few Step 3 footballers get the opportunity to face EFL opposition in the FA Cup – but Frankie Morgan is about to do it for the second time.

As Cray Wanderers prepare to face League One promotion-chasers Stockport County on Sunday, left-back Morgan is relishing the prospect of another big occasion, having been part of the Sheppey United side who reached the first round for the first time in 2023 before losing 4-1 at home to Walsall.

“Opportunities like this don’t come around very often, I’ve been fortunate,” the former Charlton Athletic youth player told The Non-League Paper.

“For many, the first round of the FA Cup is the pinnacle of where you’re going to get to. I was really lucky to get another chance a few years ago [at Sheppey], but I know some boys have never had the experience, so we’re going to enjoy it together in front of the TV cameras.”

But Morgan is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting the part-timers.

“We’ve been doing some preparation as a team, looking at how they play,” the 24-year-old explains. “As soon as we were drawn against them I began to watch clips of them – we know that it’s going to be a very difficult game for us.”

After helping Sheppey to their maiden first round appearance, Morgan has now repeated the feat with The Wands, and knows exactly how much the occasion means to the oldest club in London, playing in the first round for the first time in their 166-year history.

“It’s a massive achievement for the whole club,” he says. “Some people have been here a long time and it’s never happened before.

“To be part of the first team to qualify is something we as a team are really proud of.”