Boyhood dream driving Stafford Rangers star ahead of FA Cup blockbuster

Joe Dunne is dreaming of helping boyhood club Stafford Rangers pull off another FA Cup giant-killing this weekend.

Stafford welcome League Two Grimsby Town to Marston Road at midday on Sunday for their first appearance in the first round proper for 20 years.

Another sell-out crowd will roar the Rangers on, with local lad and left-sided defender Dunne dreaming of adding another memorable chapter to the club’s history.

Asked what victory would mean, he told the Express & Star: “It would be mad, probably the best day of my football career so far.

“I am really looking forward to it, and so should the fans, because these days don’t come around often. Hopefully we can win.”

The cup run has also taken Dunne into uncharted territory, with the defender savouring his first taste of the competition’s first round proper.

“It’s been amazing. It is my first time ever getting to the first round proper. It might never happen again,” he added.

“I am really enjoying it, taking it game by game, and we have a massive game against Grimsby which I am really looking forward to.”

Stafford are the joint-lowest-ranked side remaining in the competition, with Sunday’s showdown set to be broadcast live to a national and international audience.

Their remarkable journey began in the extra preliminary round in early August, before an emphatic fourth qualifying round replay victory over National League Gateshead last month secured the tie with Grimsby and the chance to collect £47,750 in prize money.

Another sell-out crowd will back the Boro, and Dunne believes the home support could help inspire another cup shock.

“They (Grimsby) are full-time, but they might not fancy it here, you never know,” he said.

“Hopefully we can pull off another shock. It will be difficult, but with the twelfth man in the fans, we fancy ourselves.

“The fans have been unbelievable home and away and we are all looking forward to another big occasion where I know the fans will back us. Hopefully they can push us over the line.”

Dunne returned to his hometown club this summer after leaving Staffordshire rivals Chasetown. And he has since played a key role in Stafford’s FA Cup run, scoring in replay victories over Halesowen and Gateshead.

“I am loving it,” Dunne said. “Coming back in the summer, everything that the gaffer told me before I signed was positive. And to be fair, it has lived up to expectations. I am really enjoying it.

“We haven’t lost many games so far this season so far. It is nice to be winning games. When I was here before, results were a bit up and down. It is nice to be winning games and getting the fans back on board.

“It’s a massive non-league club. All of the fans have been here in the tough times and they are getting what they deserve. I am really enjoying it.

“I live local, live around the corner. I used to come to games with my dad. It is a privilege to wear the shirt.”