IT IS only twice that the FA Cup has had the Petersfield Town chairman’s stomach churning over with worry and concern.

The first time was when Portsmouth won the Emirates FA Cup in 2008, and the second time was before the Weymouth cup tie for the Rams this season. Chairman Graeme Moir can recall plenty of happy memories generated by the FA Cup but the current cup run is fast becoming his favourite one.

“I followed Pompey for years and for the most part it was misery and disappointment but strangely those struggles made you go and watch more of the games.

“But after over two decades of mostly bad times my team was suddenly decent and we were favourites to lift the FA Cup. It was horrendous watching the semi-final and final at Wembley. You knew you had to beat a Championship team and you knew your side could do it, but it was the bit of getting there that got my stomach churning.

“I had that same feeling before the Weymouth game last month – I felt sick in the pit of my stomach and I got little sleep the night before.”

Moir isn’t sure how he will be feeling as the match gets closer this week but he is sure whatever the result, Saturday will provide him with more happy cup memories.

He added:?“I love the FA Cup and whether you are at the final or in the very first round, you get that same proud feeling when you win.

“The FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool in 1992, watching Gazza at Fratton Park in 1991 and south coast derby ties – the cup has created some great memories.”