Stansted FC go into Friday s FA Cup clash with St Margaretsbury full of confidence following their 5-1 victory over Hullbridge Sports on Saturday in the Essex Senior League. The Airportmen will be looking to build on their good form against the South Midl

Stansted FC go into Friday's FA Cup clash with St Margaretsbury full of confidence following their 5-1 victory over Hullbridge Sports on Saturday in the Essex Senior League.

The Airportmen will be looking to build on their good form against the South Midlands league side in the preliminary round clash, with £1000 and a trip to United Counties League sides Potton or Stotfold in the next round at stake.

Terry Spillane is looking forward to the challenge. "It's another cup final for us and no-one can wait for kick-off," he said.

"We are confident as at the moment we think we can win every game we play. It would be fantastic if we can keep our run going and let people know we are a good side to come and watch."

The manager won't be taking their South Midlands League opponents lightly however.

"I'm going to watch them tonight (Tuesday) and they are in the top three in their league so we are expecting a tough game," he said.

"They have only lost once so will be coming here to spoil the party and with it being quite local it adds more spice."

Over 100 people attended Stansted's extra preliminary round game at Hargrave Park and Spillane is hoping a similar number will turn out to cheer his side on on Friday (7.45pm kick-off).

"I'm hoping 120 becomes 200," he said. "Anyone there in the last round will be back I'm sure.

"It's very important we put on a show as people will come back again if we do. We want to get people through the door and create an atmosphere that puts St Margaretsbury under pressure.

"The crowd against Hullbridge was excellent and really boosted us and I'm hoping people can create that kind of atmosphere again.

"It's a second cup final for a little side like us with winner takes all. We want to pay the chairman back for his faith in us and we know we are good enough to do that."

- A hat-trick from Sam McCarthy gave Stansted all three points on Saturday in a game the Airportmen dominated at Hullbridge Sports in the Essex Senior League.

Stansted fell a goal behind against the run of play in the first half, when Monroe fired in from 35 yards to give his side the lead.

Stansted didn't let their heads drop however and equalised just before the break when a free-kick from Paul Seymour was tapped in from six yards by McCarthy.

Stansted continued to dominate the second half and took the lead after 65 minutes when Bradley Walsh fired in the goal of the game, skipping past three challenges before arrowing the ball into the bottom corner.

The Airportmen doubled their lead minutes later when a free-kick from Seymour was headed back across goal by Barnes and McCarthy was on hand to tap in his second.

McCarthy grabbed his hat-trick on 85 minutes heading in Dobson's cross, and Bradley Walsh deflected in a McCarthy shot with two minutes remaining to round off the victory.

"It was a good performance, and our fitness levels in the last 30 minutes were immense and are really paying off," said Spillane.

"To get the win and in style was great. We kept going for it all game and these players are so hungry, which is really pleasing.

"I'm delighted with our start to the season and I couldn't have asked for more. Mid-table is still our target although the players want to do better that that, but we are realistic and are not getting carried away."

Stansted were due to visit Barkingside last night (Wednesday) in the League Cup.