Magic of the FA Cup is an extra incentive for Jack Muldoon and Harrogate Town ahead of AFC Fylde clash
Jack Muldoon says that the possibility of landing another big name in a later round of the FA Cup is providing him and his Harrogate Town team-mates with a bit of extra motivation ahead of Saturday’s clash with AFC Fylde.
The veteran forward was part of the Sulphurites’ side that pushed Leeds United all the way at Elland Road in the competition’s third round two years ago.
He also scored the goal that knocked big-spending Wrexham out at the first-round stage of that same 2024/25 campaign, and was a member of the Lincoln City team who beat then-Premier League Burnley and reached the 2016/17 quarter-finals, where they played Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
So, having experienced the magic of the FA Cup first-hand on a number of occasions already, Muldoon is hoping that if Town can overcome his former club Fylde this weekend, then they could potentially have another high-profile tie to look forward to.
"Everyone in the changing room is buzzing,” the 37-year-old told the Harrogate Advertiser. “Everyone wants to play on Saturday. The gaffer has dangled the carrot about selection for the game and so it was dog eat dog in training today.
“The FA Cup is still a massive competition. For me, it is hands down my favourite competition to play in. It always feels special.
"That game at Elland Road in the third round a few years ago is up there with one of my favourite experiences in football. It was one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve had playing for anyone, not just Harrogate.
"Nothing beats the atmosphere of games like that if you draw someone big, so that’s the extra motivation for trying to get past Fylde this weekend and into the next round.”
Town have already played National League rivals Fylde at home this season, losing out 2-1 in September.
"We know what Fylde are about, they’re a good team and have a good group of players who look like they understand their roles,” added Muldoon, who netted 10 goals in 47 appearances for the Coasters back in 2017/18.
"I think that we will need to be a little bit smarter both with and without the ball than we were last time around.
“We’ll want to try to suffocate them, press high up the pitch and be ultra aggressive at the back when we haven't got the ball.
"It’s going to be a difficult game because they’re a side with a lot of quality. But then so are we.
"So we are confident. 100 percent. If we play our way, we know that we have a big chance of getting through to the next round.”
Saturday’s tie kicks-off at Wetherby Road at 3pm.