FA Cup Catch Up With Kevin Horlock – Belief, Momentum and a Club on the Rise
The magic of the FA Cup is alive and well in Maldon. As the Jammers prepare for one of the biggest games in recent club history. Club Media Director Jack Shaw caught up with Manager Kevin Horlock to gauge his thoughts.
Both on and off the pitch. Something feels special, there is something in the atmosphere and it is building towards something special.
A Squad Built for the Big Stage
“When I came back to Maldon, I knew there’d be big days ahead,” says Horlock, with the calm assurance of a man who’s seen it all before. “We spent the summer carefully putting together a squad that could handle this level and beyond. The idea wasn’t just to compete, but to be ready when those pressure moments arrived.”
That planning has paid off early. Maldon & Tiptree have found form, balance and belief across league and cup competitions, we’re a team of quality footballers and players that graft for one another. “The lads have earned the right to enjoy the occasion on Saturday, but we will be fully focussed on getting the result”
Preparation and Professionalism
Asked whether he’ll change anything before Saturday’s decisive tie with Flackwell Heath, Horlock shakes his head. “No, we’ll prepare the same as we do for every game. We research our opponents, we plan properly, and we trust our process. The owners have given us everything we need to be successful. it’s on us as staff and players to deliver results.”
That consistency has become the team’s identity. Regardless of the opposition or the occasion.
Two Unbeaten League Teams
Flackwell Heath arrive with a strong record and unbeaten confidence, something Horlock is quick to acknowledge. “Like us, they’re unbeaten in their division. The league table doesn’t show the full picture because of cup rearrangements, but make no mistake, they’re a good side. They’ve won every away game this season, so we know we’ll need to be at our best and they will travel confident.”
Echoes of Past Success
Horlock knows what a special FA Cup run looks like. His Needham Market side famously reached the first round proper, earning a trip to Burton Albion. That experience fuels his belief in this current group.
“You can sense when a squad has something different,” he says. “There’s a togetherness, a refusal to give in, and that belief that if we play to our standard, we can win any game. You don’t find that often, but you feel it here.”
We Find Ways to Win
That resilience was on show again in Tuesday night’s hard-fought win at Mildenhall. “It wasn’t a pretty one,” he admits. “Cold night, long journey, heavy pitch. But the lads dug deep. That’s what good sides do. We’ve shown we can win with flair or by grinding it out.”
He reserves praise for goalkeeper Elliot, whose crucial penalty save before half-time set the tone. “He’s been outstanding. Every time he’s been called upon, he’s done exactly what you expect from a keeper of his calibre.”
And he doesn’t forget the supporters. “The fans who travel up and down the country for us deserve credit. Their backing means a lot—home and away, they’ve been immense.”
Togetherness and Belief
With 15 games already played this season, the squad’s depth has been vital. “Everyone’s had minutes, everyone’s contributed. The players are gelling, and we’re seeing the rewards of that consistency.”
But as Saturday looms, Horlock’s message to the community is simple. “This is more than just a 90-minute match. It’s about the people who make Maldon & Tiptree what it is. Barrie, Scott, our staff, our volunteers, and the supporters who give their time and passion every week. Everyone’s pushing in the same direction.”
His final rallying cry captures the spirit sweeping through The Drewitt-Barlow Stadium.
“Enjoy it. Back the lads. Be loud, be proud, and be that 12th man. We’re building something special here! Tgether, we can make more memories like this weekend.”
