Blackwell urges Crawley to chase FA Cup dream

Crawley Town interim manager Kevin Blackwell wants his team to "dream a little bit" as they chase a repeat of the club's memorable FA Cup runs.

The Reds got to the fifth round in 2011, losing 1-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford, and also in 2012, before being beaten by Stoke City.

They also reached the fourth round in 2021, beating Leeds United 3-0 before losing to Bournemouth.

But Crawley have won only one of their seven FA Cup games since then and are currently bottom of League Two as they prepare to face seventh-tier Wimborne Town of the Southern League Premier Division South.

Blackwell - who was hired after the club fired Colin Kazim-Richards last month - is keen for his players to seize their opportunity.

"It takes you away from the league and it allows you to dream a little bit," Blackwell told BBC Radio Sussex.

"It gives us clubs - the lower league clubs - an opportunity. If we win the games and go through the rounds to play the big clubs, [there's] nothing better than that."

Blackwell's own history with the FA Cup includes a memorable semi-final.

He was assistant manager of Sheffield United in 2003 when they faced Arsenal at Old Trafford and Gunners goalkeeper David Seaman pulled off a magnificent save to deny Paul Peschisolido what seemed a certain equaliser.

Now, he is aiming to repel a Wimborne Town side who play three divisions below his team and is not taking anything for granted.

"If we have to grind it out, we will do that," he said.

"If we were playing Manchester United or Arsenal, we would prepare exactly the same way and if I see anybody take liberties they will soon know about it."