LES AFFUL knows all about the magic of the FA Cup. The diminutive 32 year-old was part of the Exeter City squad that played out a goalless draw at Manchester United in the third round of the competition back in 2005 and now he is hoping to help create some memories for The White Tigers.

It all starts on Saturday as we head for the City Ground, home of Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South & West outfit, Winchester City, in the second round qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup.

“It’s one of those competitions that every player wants to be involved in to test themselves,” said the popular performer who has played over 250 games for City. “I’ve got some great memories from the FA Cup that will stay with me forever and hopefully I can create some more.

“League positions count for very little; the FA Cup different and every time you face opposition from lower levels it has the potential to be a banana skin.

“The key is to approach the game in the right way and put the effort and work in that will see you through.

“On Saturday Winchester City will be at full pelt doing all that they can to cause an upset, but we will go there up for the challenge and determined to get our name in the hat for the next round.

“Making progress is important for the whole club and I know that our fans would love a good Cup run.”

Whilst the experienced Afful admits that it has been a tricky start to the season, he is confident about what lies ahead.

“We know that it’s been a bit of a tough start,” he admitted. “Things are starting to settle down now, though, and the Gaffer is getting us to play the way he wants us to.

“He told us to get back to basics and our aim is to be difficult to break down and beat. We have the quality to score goals, so we know that if we can develop a solid foundation then it gives us something to be able to build upon.

“We certainly have the ability here and I know that we can start to really push on.”