SAM Hind says he won’t grumble at being labelled ‘a Granddad’ if it stops his teammates’ minds wandering towards Wembley.

After playing there twice previously in his career for Glossop North End, he knows what he is talking about it.

1874 Northwich travel to Thatcham Town on Saturday for the first leg of an FA Vase semi-final already on their best run in the competition.

The 33-year-old expects their toughest test is to come though.

“I do my best to stop everybody from getting carried away,” he said.

“That might be a message to our WhatsApp group or a few words in the dressing room after a game.

“I’m not trying to dampen everybody’s excitement, but if it helps keep everybody focused then I don’t mind being called a ‘Granddad’!

“It’s only because I’m desperate for us to win, and to get to the final.”

It is rare for semi-professional players to have experience of two-legged cup ties.

Hind told the Guardian that it does change the dynamic, and to think of it as having two chances is a mistake.

He added: “It might seem an obvious thing to say, but we need to return from Thatcham still with a chance of getting through.

“After that, everything is possible.

“For us, it’s really unusual to play a game like this one.

“I don’t expect that to have an impact on our style of play, but you only have to look at their results to see that they don’t lose too many games at home.

“We know nothing about their league though, so even studying those numbers can be misleading.

“Instead we need to make sure we’re ready for the occasion.”

That is something 1874 have repeatedly proven they can do this season.

A 1-0 win at Leighton Town in the quarter-finals is the latest evidence, and that followed victories at Wincham Park against Chichester City and Pontefract Collieries in previous rounds.

Hind said: “There are probably a few reasons for that.

“There is a lot of experience in the squad, and those players are perhaps more used to handling a big occasion.

“We’re fitter too, and that can make a difference in tight games – look how strongly we finished the two matches at Witton.

“Our defence has stayed solid, something it will need to be again [at Thatcham], and of course there is a bit of luck along the way that can always help.”