16 Feb 2009

The boss, already a big fan of the competition, will tell his troops that they can write their names into Kenilworth folklore if they can overcome Brighton & Hove Albion in the area final second leg.

But Harford stressed that the biggest word of all to remember is the word ‘if’ as he expects many twists and turns before the tie is finally settled tomorrow night.

He said: “We have enjoyed the competition immensely. It has been great and we have had some terrific performances in getting to the area finals.

“We have beaten Brentford, Colchester and Walsall along the way, and the lads have had a great time competing in the trophy.

“If we can get to the final, it would be fantastic. But it is still a very very big if.

“We will be playing in a really difficult game. We went down to Brighton and got a good result (0-0) but it is going to be just as hard, if not harder, at Kenilworth Road.

“There is no complacency whatsoever and we will approach the game as best as we can, with the hope of getting the right result.

“The opportunity for both sets of players is huge.”

Harford has played on the hallowed Wembley turf on a number of occasions, but will be best remembered for his appearance in the 1988 League Cup final, when he helped the Hatters beat Arsenal 3-2 at a sun-drenched Wembley Stadium.

He added: “We are playing for a big prize. Not too many teams get this opportunity and to get to a final, in any competition, is a great achievement.”

Harford might not be getting carried away by his side’s chances, but some supporters are already pointing to a special 50 year anniversary as a sign of fate, when Luton first appeared at Wembley in the 1959 FA Cup final.

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.