LINCOLN City have done it again - continuing their FA Cup giant-killing exploits to become the first non-league side in 103 years to reach the last eight of the competition.

Or should I say ‘Danny Cowley has done it again’? For do any of us believe the Imps would be relishing a potential tie with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium were it not for one (or two including brother and assistant manager Nicky) of south Essex’s finest?

It is impossible to say I suppose but what is most satisfying is seeing someone who puts as much into their work as the Cowley brothers getting as much and more out of the fruits of their labours.

Despite all the media attention surrounding Saturday’s 1-0 win over Burnley, Dan still had time to prioritise researching tonight’s National League opponents North Ferriby United - up at 5.30am on Sunday morning.

However, this is nothing new for the former FitzWimarc School Head of PE. Last year - while combining his role at Fitz and managing Braintree Town - he and Nicky (who also taught in the PE Department) were regularly up at the crack of dawn - planning lessons and drawing up tactics in what was arguably a more impressive success story than what the pair are currently doing in the East Midlands.

The earliest interview I have ever conducted remains one with Dan - speaking to him before 7am in the freezing cold about the trials and tribulations of his work, and hoping for some team news for the weekend’s game when he was Concord Rangers manager. It was the only time he said he had 10 minutes free that day.

We often have a laugh in the office as I once said Dan and Nicky would be two of my three guests if I was to throw a dinner party - they are just good blokes, and I am sure they would bring a nice dessert.

As you read this, Sutton United may have made it two non-league sides into the quarter-finals. But more than before may now be hoping the Cowleys are rewarded with a game against Arsenal.