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      Gary Shaw dead at 63: Aston Villa legend and European Cup winner passes away days after suffering head injury at home

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      ASTON VILLA legend Gary Shaw has passed away aged 63.The former striker suffered a head injury after a fall at his home last week.Gary Shaw has passed away aged 63Credit: RexThe former striker was part of the Villa side that won the First Division and the European CupCredit: GettyShaw suffered a head injury last week and was taken to hospitalCredit: RexHe was rushed to hospital but died from the injury.A Villa club statement read: “Gary was one of our own, a talented striker who delighted supporters with his goalscoring exploits which helped fire Villa to success in the 1980s. “Individual accolades would also follow for a player who was idolised by many on the terraces.”He passed away peacefully earlier today surrounded by his family, who asked Aston Villa to release a statement on their behalf. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”Tributes from fans also flooded in, with one saying: “Very sad news. My thoughts are with bereaved family and friends.”Another penned a touching tweet that read: “Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May Shaw’s soul rest in peace.”A third commented: “RIP Gary. The Villa family is in mourning. One of my heroes has gone. Never be forgotten.”Most read in FootballShaw was a part of the Aston Villa side that won the First Division, European Cup and European Super Cup between 1981 and 1982.He was named PFA Young Player of the Year following their title-winning season, in which he scored 20 times.The baby-faced assassin was regarded as one of Villa’s greatest-ever forwards, scoring 73 goals in 197 appearances for the club.Fans shared their concern for Shaw after he was admitted to hospital and now many have paid tribute to the club legend.Shaw spent 10 years playing for Villa’s first team after coming through their academy.He left in 1988 to play his football in Denmark ans then Austria before spells at Walsall, Kilmarnock and Shrewsbury, before he hung up his boots in 1992.Shaw never earned a cap for England, but did play seven times for the U21s, scoring two goals. More

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      Young Boys vs Aston Villa free betting tips: Back our 10/1 Bet Builder and claim £50 in free bets with Betfred

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      ASTON VILLA are back in the big time and their Champions League journey starts on Tuesday away to Young Boys.Our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the game, which Betfred have priced up at 10/1!There’s more! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Young Boys vs Aston VillaOur Bet Builder selections: Aston Villa to win, both teams to score, Ollie Watkins to score and John McGinn to be carded.Back our 10/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections:Aston Villa to win: Odds-on at 4/6 with Betfred and if not overawed by the occasion, should have too much to offer against a Young Boys side who are bottom of Swiss Super League with no wins and only three draws to their name after six games.Both teams to score: Despite that, they’ve been decent on the continent and secured their spot here with 4-2 aggregate win over Galatasaray in previous round. Villa not kept clean sheet in any of their four games this season.Ollie Watkins to score: Slowish start to the season before bagging two in remarkable comeback win over Everton at weekend. Villa’s talisman can strike on big stage.John McGinn to be carded: One booking to his name already this season and all-action midfielder will get well stuck in here. Just the four fouls in four league games but will be keen to stamp authority in this.Back our 10/1 Bet BuilderRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      Phil Foden’s son, 5, set to become star by entertaining fans as a YouTuber

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      FOOTIE ace Phil Foden’s five-year-old son is set to smash the net again — with his own YouTube channel.Ronnie already has five million Instagram followers after dancing on the pitch following his dad’s 2023 Champions League triumph with Manchester City.Phil Foden’s five-year-old son Ronnie is getting his own YouTube channelCredit: GettyRonnie was nicknamed ‘The Dude’ by City fans and has since become the unofficial mascot for the teamCredit: GettyNow the cheeky chap could cash in on his fame by entertaining fans as a YouTuber after dad Phil, 23, and mum Rebecca, 22, set up a channel for him.A source said: “Ronnie loves being the centre of attention and is a big fan of some of the YouTubers so Phil and his mum have set up an account.“He could end up making loads of money from it.”Speaking about his son’s celebrations in Istanbul, Phil said: “His personality has made him who he is. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He just reminds me of myself when I was a kid and he’s very funny.”Ronnie was nicknamed “The Dude” by City fans and has since become the unofficial mascot for the team.And after their latest Premier League title in May, he was seen trying to open a bottle of champagne to the amusement of fans.He has a modelling contract and is on a talent group’s books despite only just starting school.Most read in FootballPhil and Rebecca also share daughter TruePhil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke gives birth to boy with England star to fly back to Euro 2024 for Slovakia clash More

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      ‘Harry Kane is GUARANTEED to break his trophy duck this season – it’s just a question of how many he wins’

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      HARRY KANE is surely guaranteed to break his silverware duck this term — the question is, how many trophies will he win at Bayern Munich?That is the verdict of ex-Munich star Owen Hargreaves, who has no doubts whatsoever the England captain can end his career-long barren run.Harry Kane is still looking for his first major trophyCredit: APHe has been banging in the goals for Bayern Munich and tipped to break his duck this termCredit: AFPKane moved to Bayern last summer for an initial £86million after winning nothing at Spurs but ended up empty-handed again due to Xabi Alonso’s invincible Bayer Leverkusen side.TNT Sports pundit Hargreaves told SunSport: “He’s crazy unlucky, especially after his season.“Bayern didn’t have a great season but Leverkusen, you’ve got to take your hat off to them, they played out of this world under Xabi Alonso.“But the great ones, that spurs them on to keep going.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“It keeps him hungry. I guarantee he wins a trophy this year. The question is, how many?”Kane is adapting to a new Bayern boss in Vincent Kompany, whose Burnley men were relegated from the Prem last term.Kompany favours a high-pressing style but 31-year-old Kane has still managed five goals in his first four Bayern games this term — including a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory at Holstein Kiel on Saturday.That took his scoring record to a staggering 49 goals in 49 games for the Bavarian giants.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHargreaves, who won four Bundesliga titles and the 2001 Champions League with Bayern, added: “Vinny’s got the best team he’s ever coached by a mile.“Harry Kane leading the line, Manuel Neuer in goal and then all these amazing players spread out in between.Champions League releases new anthem as fuming fans say ‘the beautiful game has died’Harry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”“I’m excited to watch Bayern. I was there for ten years, I understand the mentality of the football club, the expectation to win. Vinny’s a winner.“People forget Vinny played in the Bundesliga at Hamburg, he speaks German.“He understands how big a club Bayern Munich is.“Being born in Belgium, playing in Germany, he’s had an amazing career, he was a brilliant captain.“It’s probably not the appointment everyone expected just because Burnley got relegated. But I hope they give him time.“Bayern used to be a club that gave managers time and they had amazing success.“I hope the club looks at itself a little bit and says, ‘We’re going to give Vincent time’.”Kane scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 thumping of Holstein Kiel at the weekendCredit: GettyVincent Kompany needs to be given time in his new job at the German giantsCredit: Getty HARGREAVES ON BELLINGHAM“I SAW the Super Cup and Jude Bellingham played the best game of his life.“He’s playing a bit more in his natural position, a little bit deeper. He’s the perfect midfield player.“Jude is just going to get better and better with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.“I know a lot of people have not seen much of Endrick but to go with him and Rodrygo, Valverde, Modric, Courtois and Alaba, Rudiger, Carvajal . . .“That is some collection of players, it’s amazing.”Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham will cause chaos togetherCredit: GettyHARGREAVES ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DARK HORSES“PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”Marcus Thuram could help Inter Milan spark a shockCredit: AFPHARGREAVES ON PREM CONTENDERS“MANCHESTER CITY have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. “To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”Manchester City are going for a fifth title in a rowCredit: APHARGREAVES ON PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR“MICHAEL OLISE is going to be great at Bayern Munich.“Playing at Crystal Palace he probably didn’t get the notoriety he deserved but he’s such a good finisher and technically really good.“Endrick at Real Madrid is cool because people don’t know a lot about him. He’s still so young but he’s just got it.“Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen is an amazing player with a really unique style. His numbers from last season were crazy.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As a young kid, putting himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation is rare. He’ll be playing at Real Madrid or Man City in a couple of years.”TNT Sports is the home of the Uefa Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. TNT Sports is available through its streaming destination discovery+ and across all major TV platforms. For more information visit tntsports.co.uk/footballMichael Olise will have no issues stepping up to the pressure at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyOwen Hargreaves had his say on the 2024-25 seasonCredit: GettyNew Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

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      Lamine Yamal applauded off by opposition fans as he leads Barcelona to crushing 4-1 win over Champions League rivals

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      LAMINE YAMAL continues to impress at such a young age, so much so that opposition fans are clapping him off the pitch.The 17-year-old received a round of applause from Girona fans today as he trudged off the pitch having netted twice to sink Barcelona’s Catalonia rivals 4-1.Lamine Yamal was applauded by both sets of fans after his performance in Barcelona’s 4-1 win over GironaCredit: GettyYamal netted twice in the local derbyCredit: GettyYamal sparked Barcelona into life with two first half goals, setting the tone for Hansi Flick’s side to thrash their local enemies.The teenager, who shone for Euro 2024 winners Spain in the summer, netted his first by stealing the ball away from a Girona defender and cooly dispatching an effort past keeper Paulo Gazzaniga.While his second has a delightful curled effort from just inside the area which nestled into the bottom corner.Summer signing Dani Olmo and fellow La Masia product Pedri added the other two goals as Barcelona went on to win 4-1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut all the attention was on Yamal’s spectacular performance with the youngster being showered with love from both sets of fans as he was substituted for Gerard Martin in the 92nd minute.His goals today take his tally in La Liga this season to an astonishing three goals and four assists in just five league games. In fact, the talented winger hasn’t gone a single league game this season without registering a goal contribution.And today’s efforts were no breeze either with Girona a Champions League side who will take on the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, AC Milan and PSG in the new league phase of the competition.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYamal continues to break record thanks to his meteoric rise at such a young age.Today’s double makes him the youngest player in La Liga history to score a first half brace.Yamal destroys Rabiot on and off the pitch after France star sparked ’embarrassing’ feud with Spanish teen While his efforts in the Euros saw him become the youngest player to ever score in the Euros – doing so at just 16 YEARS OLD.Fans are convinced he’s the real deal too with many gushing about him after his performance against Girona.One wrote: “Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal are the best players in the world right now.”While another added: “Generational talent. What a player. What a performance.”A third commented: “Best right winger in the world.”And a fourth gushed: “He’s destined for greatness.”Lamine Yamal’s astonoshing recordsA look at some of Lamine Yamal’s incredible records…Youngest player to start a La Liga game Youngest player to provide an assist in La LigaYoungest La Liga goalscorerYoungest El Clasico playerYoungest Champions League assist providerYoungest Spanish Super Cup debutant and scorerYoungest brace in La LigaYoungest player in Champions League knockoutsYoungest Champions League quarter finalistYoungest player to play 10 Champions League gamesYoungest player to make 50 appearances for BarcelonaYoungest provider of an assist in the Euros the European Championships Youngest player in the knock out stage of the EurosYoungest goalscorer in the European ChampionshipsYoungest player in a Euros finalYoungest player to win a major international trophy More

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      ‘I’d expect a foul’ – Paul Merson claims Arsenal’s winner at Tottenham shouldn’t have stood as VAR fails to intervene

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      PAUL MERSON reckons Arsenal’s winner in the North London Derby SHOULDN’T have stood.The Gunners ran out 1-0 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon thanks to a bullet second-half header from Gabriel Magalhaes.Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners in the North London Derby on SundayCredit: GETTYGabriel Magalhaes’ second-half header secured a massive three points for the GunnersCredit: ALAMYThe Brazilian bullied Spurs centre-back Cristian Romero off the ball before heading homeCredit: REUTERSFormer Arsenal star Paul Merson reckons Gabriel’s goal shouldn’t have stoodCredit: REXThe Brazilian buffeted fellow centre-back Cristian Romero out of the way before heading the ball past a helpless Guglielmo Vicario.Romero didn’t make a meal of the contact and go to ground, something former Gunner Merson believes he was more than entitled to do.The Sky Sports pundit said: “I would be disappointed if I didn’t get a foul.”[Romero] is in the wrong position, everything is wrong about his defending. He’s an international centre-half.READ MORE ON SPURS VS ARSENAL”Even I know, and I don’t play at the back, that you’ve got to be side-on, seeing the ball and your player.”To start off with you’ve got to be a hand-length away [from him] and he was standing with him.”I do think – I’d expect a foul. I would expect a foul.”Victory for Mikel Arteta’s troops was their THIRD on the spin at the home of their fiercest rivals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd they triumphed without the services of star midfielders Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, the latter of whom was serving a needless suspension for his red card against Brighton before the international break.A jubilant Arteta said of the win: “We have the power to make a lot of people happy and proud.Fans fume at ‘pure robbery’ after Arsenal star Jurrien Timber avoids red card after referee ‘bottles it'”We certainly did that today in the manner that we won the game in the circumstances that we had before arriving into this match.”And with this being the third consecutive away win here as well, it means a lot. So hopefully, they can enjoy it.“There are certain things that we have to do better for sure.”Especially the simple things with the ball that I wasn’t happy at all with.”But there are other things in the game that we have to do and the way we competed and defended.”And the way we have the intention all the time to run in the spaces that they give you, it was unbelievable.“Then you have to find a way to win in any context, and today it was tricky, because first of all they are a great opponent.”Secondly because we have to alter our plan quite a lot for the players that we had, and then you still win the game.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will be back in action on Thursday night in their Champions League opener against Atalanta.The North Londoners will then travel to defending Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. More

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      Casemiro DROPPED from Man Utd XI to face Southampton but Ugarte doesn’t replace him as forgotten man gets rare start

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      CASEMIRO has been brutally AXED by Erik ten Hag following his horror show against Liverpool.The five-time Champions League winner was at fault for two of the Reds’ goals as they romped to a 3-0 win over Manchester United before this month’s international break.Casemiro has been axed by Erik ten Hag following his horror show against LiverpoolCredit: GETTYThe Brazilian was at fault for two of the Reds’ goals at Old Trafford and was brutally axed at half timeCredit: PAErik ten Hag has dropped the former Real Madrid man for Saturday’s clash with SouthamptonCredit: AFPTen Hag hooked the Brazilian during the half-time interval, handing youngster Toby Collyer his debut.And the Dutchman has opted NOT to included him in the starting XI for this afternoon’s clash with Southampton.But he’s not been replaced by summer signing Manuel Ugarte, who joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day.Ten Hag has opted to replace the 32-year-old with fellow veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen for this afternoon’s match at St Mary’s.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Old Trafford faithful were quick to react to Ten Hag’s decision on social media.One wrote on X: “Casemiro couldn’t start.”Another said: “After Casemiro’s stinker against Liverpool, Ten Hag can’t risk [him] anymore.And another said: “Casemiro absolutely had to be dropped.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne remarked: “So Casemiro on the scrap heap for another player marginalized by Ten Hag?”Another chimed in: “Ten Hag should get credit for dropping Casemiro despite Ugarte not being ready.Man Utd Player Ratings Casemiro’s Nightmare Against Liverpool”That message had to go out there after the Liverpool shocker. “Are we about to see an Eriksen rebirth?”Several Red Devils fans called for Casemiro to be dropped in the wake of his nightmare display against the Reds.Although many of them have blasted Ten Hag for starting Eriksen over £50million newboy Ugarte.One said: “[The] solution for Casemiro is Eriksen?”Another said: “Eriksen for Casemiro?”And another said: “Eriksen over Casemiro and Ugarte as DM in 2024? “[What] the fuck is wrong with Ten Hag and my club?One remarked: “Eriksen over Casemiro is scary.”Another chimed in with a series of facepalm emojis: “Drops Casemiro but brings in Eriksen…”United bounced back to winning ways thanks to a 3-0 win at St Mary’s thanks to goals from Matthijs de Light, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.After the match, Ten Hag said: “The start was not easy. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think the penalty was the turning point in the game and not so far after we scored and that was very important.”From that moment on, the game was all ours.” More

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      A sparkie, night shiftworker and sweet shop owner shooting it out for FA Cup golden ticket at Wembley

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      A SWEET shop owner, electrician and a telecoms engineer are all shooting it out to be at the FA Cup Final – one way or another.The trio would all love to fire their respective non-league sides to a miraculous Wembley triumph.Jonathan Lacey was last season’s top goalscorer in the FA CupCredit: X @EmiratesFACupAshford United’s Gary Lockyer is leading the way in this season’s competitionCredit: X @AshfordUnitedFCHe has eight goals so far and is gunning for more this weekendCredit: X @EmiratesFACupHowever, it’s fair to say that they all stand a much better chance of being a VIP under the arch instead of actually playing on Saturday 17 May. And that is because all three are currently battling to be crowned this season’s FA Cup top scorer and land themselves the Mitre Golden Ball award.The Football Association created it three years ago, and the winner gets the honour of not only collecting the trophy from an FA Cup legend but also walking the cup final match ball out onto the Wembley pitch before the final.The competition has already provided Tilbury hotshot Sam Bantick, who has five goals so far, with his greatest football memory.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 32-year-old, who owns Sam’s Sweets and Shakes near Brentwood station, tasted the magic of the cup firsthand back in 2017.That was when he helped fire Heybridge Swifts into the first round proper and scored in their 3-1 defeat against their Football League opponents at St James Park.He moved to Isthmian League North Division outfit Tilbury this summer and capped his home debut with a hat-trick against Buckhurst Hill.But his exploits were caught on camera, and he soon went viral when his third, an audacious effort from inside his own half, was shared online.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I’ve tried it a few times but it hasn’t always come off. If I could do it all the time then I wouldn’t be playing the level that I’m playing at,” he told Sun Sport.“I hit that perfectly and as soon as I did I knew it was going in. I’ll always remember it.” I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundBantick has never been to an FA Cup Final, but after discovering the prize that awaits the top goalscorer, he says it would top the “best day of my life” at Exeter if he went to Wembley to collect the trophy.He said: “I’ll have to try a bit harder on Saturday now.“We don’t often get exposure or the chance to play big sides, of course you want to help your team out, but to get the chance to get honoured on a personal level like that is unreal.”And ahead of welcoming National League South outfit Chelmsford City to Chadfields, he added: “It’s going to be really tough, but it’s XI vs XI.“We know we’re massive underdogs but they’ll have to come to our ground, the changing-rooms will absolutely stink and we’ll try and make it as hard as we can for them.”Sparkie Sonnie Coleman, 27, is another looking to continue his hot-streak of six goals in three matches.And the Northern League Crook Town striker, who scored to help Hardwick Social retain the FA Sunday Cup in 2018 at Bramall Lane, has even played at Wembley before.He was part of the Stockton Town side that suffered FA Vase Final heartbreak at the hands of Thatcham Town six years ago.Tilbury hero Sam Bantick went viral earlier in the competitionCredit: Focus PhotosHe runs a family sweet shop near Brentwood stationCredit: Focus PhotosHe said: “Winning the Sunday Cup two years running was great but the Vase was the biggest game I’ve played in. That was the first and only time that I’ve ever been to Wembley. “So it would be amazing to get there and I have been keeping my eye on it.“I’ve seen the leader has eight, but I feel a bit ripped off as we haven’t had one replay and just gone straight through. He’s had a couple of replays but he’s obviously doing very well.”Coleman is gunning for Witton Albion, who are a step above them in the pyramid, on home turf on Saturday and added: “It’s already the furthest the club have been in the cup this century.“We’ve beaten Ashington already, who were from a step above, so let’s see if we can go even further.”The man they are all chasing is Ashford United’s Gary Lockyer.He already has EIGHT – including a four-goal haul in the last round – but was only told about JJ Lacey’s haul of ten being enough to secure the Golden Ball last season a fortnight ago.Sonnie Coleman of Crook Town already has some fabulous Wembley memoriesCredit: Si CrumbsLockyer, who works night shifts as a telecoms engineer for Network Planning Solutions, said: “After the four goals took me to eight, my manager said ‘you should be really up there’ but I hadn’t really thought or known about it.“I then looked it up and saw that the gentleman won it with ten goals last time and instantly thought ‘I’m quite close here’ and it would really be something to remember.“So I’m definitely hoping for a few more.”Man Utd fan Lockyer, 31, has experienced the first round proper when he was 17 at Hyde Town but didn’t play and he has also attended finals under the arch as a spectator.But the father-of-four is determined to stave off his competition and beat the likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah in the scoring stakes to land himself and his wife a VIP day out under the arch.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after being informed that his rivals were desperate for him to draw and blank and for Ashford united to be eliminated, Lockyer added: “I’m exactly the same!“I’m one for healthy competition and I’m eager to get it now that I know I’m in the lead. Hopefully I can get a few more this weekend.” More