WEELEY Athletic have written their names in the history books.

And proud boss Kieron Shelley sees no reason why his side’s Essex Premier Cup adventure should end in Saturday’s quarter-final at Harold Wood.

It is the furthest the club have ever been in their 100-year history.

And now they want to continue their heroic run and seal a place in the semi-finals.

“The boys are really up for it,” said former FC Clacton reserves manager Shelley, who previously played for the Seasiders, Weeley, St Johns, St Osyth and Alresford Colne Rangers.

“It’ll be tough, of course, because Harold Wood are the reigning Essex Olympian League champions.

“They know how to play football at a high level but we haven’t got anything to fear.

“The tie is there for them to lose and us to win.

“There’s no real pressure or expectation on us, because we’re somewhere we shouldn’t be, in the quarter-finals.

“The boys deserve some recognition for their success this season.

“They’re doing brilliantly and hard work is the key.

“We’re taking the time to do things properly and professionally and we take our football very seriously, in terms of fitness and preparation.”

Weeley folded five years ago but made their comeback last season, getting promoted after finishing third in division two.

They are now well-placed to go up from division one into the premier division and complete back-to-back promotions.

The Vista Road side are flying high in second spot and continued their relentless form with a 3-0 victory at Hedinghams United last Saturday, thanks to goals from Steve Davis, Russ McLean and Ross Nash.

“Everyone is over the moon and together we’re trying to put this club back on the map,” added former midfielder Shelley.

“There’s a real sense of togetherness.

“The players are so committed and we’ve built a local side that get on well and want to do well for each other.

“Everyone knows their roles and we play together as a unit.

“In a lot of our games this season we’ve passed teams off the pitch and it’s been great to see.”

Weeley have only lost once in 20 league and cup outings this season, against Little Oakley Reserves in October.

And they have another big cup tie next week, when they visit Harwich and Parkeston in the Border League Knockout Cup quarter-finals.

They have already knocked out three premier division sides to get this far.