NATHAN Rudge says Chippenham Town’s FA Cup run has surpassed all expectations and that it will be a huge upset if it doesn’t end in the fourth qualifying round.

After seeing off Badshot Lea last weekend, the Bluebirds were handed a trip to Conference North Gloucester City at Cheltenham Town's Whaddon Road Ground on October 20 for a place in the first round proper.

Former Tigers men Luke Ballinger and Conor Thompson could come up against their old club while ex-Cheltenham youth player Josh Egan is also set to re-tread old ground and Rudge wants his players to savour the occasion.

“It’s a tough, tough game and if I’m honest, I’d expect them to beat a side like us,” said Rudge, pictured.

“We’ve had to cope with the pressures of beating teams from lower leagues so far and we’ve done that but the pressure is all off now because Gloucester will be massive favourites.

“I want us to enjoy the game because this cup run has gone farther than we ever expected it to. “It’s been great for the club.”

Town’s trip to Bideford on Tuesday evening was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, meaning they return to Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division on Saturday when Arlesey Town visit Hardenhuish Park.

With Red Insure Cup, FA Cup and FA Trophy clashes on the horizon this month, Rudge says that his side must get points on the board this weekend.

“With all of the cup games, our momentum in the league has been affected and we’ve got even more coming up. Arlesey are a good side, but we can’t afford to lose that game if we want to pick things up in the league,” he said.

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