Long-serving Newton Aycliffe defender Dan Mitton says he’s proud to be a part of the club’s current run in the FA Vase.
The Blues take on Camberley Town in Surrey on Saturday (3pm) in the fifth round of the competition – with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.
Mitton was part of Allan Oliver’s side which won successive promotions through the Wearside League and Northern League as Aycliffe stormed to the second division title in 2011.
But he says Aycliffe’s last 16 tie at Camberley tops that.
“It’s the most important game I’ve ever played for Newton Aycliffe and I think it’s the biggest the club has ever had as well,” said the 26-year-old.
“We won the second division a few years ago, but this is bigger than that and I’m just proud to be a part of it.
“It’s nice to turn up in style, and hopefully we can get our heads on the game.”
Peter Dixon has twice taken West Auckland to Wembley, and even though the Aycliffe boss has banned talk of the W word, Mitton admits the players can’t help but think about it at this stage of the tournament.
He said: “The lads are thinking about it. Some of them have been before and know what it’s all about, they seem to have the bug again.
“The dressing room is bouncing at the minute. We really look forward to these games. We’ve been lucky that we’ve played back-to-back games in the Vase and we’ve got a taste for it.”
Mitton played for several seasons under Oliver – now the club’s chairman – and Mitton added: “Allan is like a kid at Christmas when Saturday comes!
“I think he’ll be happy if we get through the game on Saturday and I’m sure he’ll be thinking of the money as well.”
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