JACK Cawley has vowed to enjoy every minute of his biggest day in football.

But far from travelling to Exeter City for a weekend away, to make up the numbers, the confident defender believes his Heybridge Swifts side can cause an FA Cup upset.

The sides are set to meet in a first round showdown at the Grecians’ St James Park on Sunday.

Exeter, clearly, will start as firm favourites, riding high in fourth spot in League Two.

Swifts, on the other hand, play four levels below in the Isthmian North and have already played seven matches, including two replays, to get this far in the competition.

Cawley believes he has good reason to be confident, though, as his side are riding on the crest of a wave, with seven wins from their eight league matches.

“This is the furthest I’ve ever gone in the cup and it’s a dream come true,” said the 25-year-old, who lives in Colchester.

“It’s such a big day for the club and for each of us individually, because it might not happen again in our careers.

“It’s so different to what we’re used to, staying overnight before the game, playing in front of TV cameras at a Football League ground.

“But we’re certainly not going there for a day out or to make up the numbers.

“We’re going there to win and I definitely believe we’re capable of that.

“With the team we’ve got, I certainly wouldn’t put it past us.

“Our squad is so much stronger now and our mentality going into any game is that we can win, regardless of who we’re playing.

“I was watching the draw with my dad (former Colchester United defender Peter) and girlfriend, Megan.

“Swifts were the last team out of the hat and we couldn’t believe it when we were drawn against Exeter.”

Dad Peter, who played more than 200 times for the U’s in the 1990s, spent a couple of years with the Grecians.

It was during his time in Devon that Jack was born, in nearby Torquay, in 1992.

He spent the first few months of his life in the south-west before Peter’s move to Layer Road and the family’s switch to north Essex.

“Getting any pro team would have been unbelievable but it’s obviously extra special for us, because of our family connections,” added Jack, a former student at Colchester’s St Benedict’s Catholic College who joined Swifts at Christmas.

“We’re all excited about it and dad’s never been back there since leaving.

“It’s very poignant for us, as a family, and we’ve thought about my mum (who sadly passed away) lots since the draw was made.

“She was my biggest fan and I know she’d be there at the weekend, if she could.

“My first memories of dad playing football were during his time at Colchester.

“It’s all a bit hazy because I was so young but I remember seeing him at Layer Road and Wembley (in the 1997 Football League Trophy final).

“I’m really proud of his career and the fact he played professionally.

“He’s my idol and someone I’ve always looked up to.

“He’s an inspiration and my role model, as a person and as a footballer.”