St Ives Town boss Ricky Marheineke reckons the Saints’ army of super fans can roar them to FA Trophy glory tonight.

Marheineke’s men entertain higher-level Kettering Town in an eagerly anticipated first round qualifying tie at ProEdge Westwood Road (8pm).

Marheineke said: “It is a big occasion for the club and a big game for the lads.

“Every match is winnable regardless of the level of opposition and we know we always have a chance with the fans behind us because their support is so good.

“We’ll go into it with a gameplan and do everything we can to cause an upset and keep the Trophy run going.

“I’m expecting a good, close game and Kettering should bring plenty of supporters as well. We’re hoping we can get a crowd of close to 400.”

Kettering are the reigning Southern League Division One (Central) champions and have made a solid start to life in the Premier Division.

But Saints are enjoying a fine campaign of their own. They’re only one point off the Division One (Central) summit and victory over the Poppies would take their prize money for the current campaign past the £10,000 mark.

They won £4,925 for negotiating two rounds of the FA Cup and also trousered £2,500 for overcoming Rugby in their opening Trophy test. There’s another £2,700 up for grabs in this round.

Full-back Harry O’Malley and skipper Luke Knight return after missing a Tuesday league draw at Ware when a last-gasp leveller cost them the chance to climb into top spot, but fellow midfielders Jack Higgs and Jack Warwick are out.