Tudors skipper Parkes pledges to do it for the fans against Bury

Jordan Parkes celebrates another trademark goal. Picture (c) Darren Kelly

The Tudors go into the game as big underdogs against their League Two opponents, but Parkes insists his team will be giving it their all to cause an upset.

“The squad are really looking forward to the game on Saturday,” said Parkes. “We are travelling up on Friday as a team which will be a great chance for us to stay together in the build-up and get the team spirit flying, which helped us to win the league last season and to get through to the FA Cup first round this year.

“We know that there will be a good following of Hemel fans travelling up to the game and hopefully we can put on a performance that will make them sing all the way home.”

As well as pledging to put on a show for the fans, Parkes also knows the significance of the game for the club as a whole.

He said: “Dave Boggins (chairman) has put a lot of time, effort and money in to the club over the years and now the management and the squad are giving him something to cheer about.

“Before Dean Brennan and Stuart Maynard (management duo) took over, the club were spared relegation only through a reprieve and the crowds were only at 150.

“Now the club is in the Conference South and in the first round of the FA Cup playing against a league side which is an unbelievable achievement.

“As a Hemel lad and speaking to a lot of local people, the buzz about the club is brilliant. People are excited about their local football club which I feel proud about.”

Hemel have endured an inconsistent start to the Conference South campaign, but have recently hit a purple patch which has seen them go seven games unbeaten in all competitions.

And Parkes is aiming to keep that run going on Saturday against a Bury side sitting in fourth place in the League Two table.

“The confidence is high at the moment and, having beaten a team in the league above in the last round and with some good form in the league, we can’t wait for Saturday,” said the Tudors skipper.

“If we can get a result it would be unbelievable – even if we could get a draw and bring Bury back to Vauxhall Road that would be excellent.

“We are hoping the fans enjoy themselves at the weekend and sing all game and we will make sure we do all we can to ensure they have the best day.”