Chatham Town Women’s manager Keith Boanas thinks wider footballing world is yet to comprehend magnitude of club’s FA Cup run ahead of fifth-round away match against Birmingham City

Boss Keith Boanas thinks the wider footballing world is yet to fully comprehend the magnitude of Chatham Town Women’s remarkable FA Cup run.

Chats, the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, will be in fifth-round action for the first time in their history when they play WSL 2 side Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Saturday (5.15pm).

Boanas’ National League Division 1 South East team have seen off Beaconsfield Town (6-0), AFC Wimbledon (4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw), Exeter City (4-3 in extra time), Sutton United (3-0) and York City (3-0) to reach this stage.

“It’s massive,” said Boanas, who won the cup with Charlton in 2005.

“We had a big media day at the club on Tuesday. That leaves us with Thursday to concentrate on what we’re doing.

“I don’t think the wider football world in the UK has quite grasped what we have done. What these players have achieved, with some of the teams still left in the draw, the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, it’s quite incredible.

“I don’t think people have got it. I’m not sure it’s ever happened before.

"There have been unfancied teams, like Croydon, that have done well - but they were full of internationals.

“That was way back in the day. We have had some luck with the draw but certainly not in the last couple of rounds.

“We have come through a shoot-out, as well.”

Another enormous test awaits when Chats visit Amy Merricks’ team, with £80,000 in prize money on offer.

Boanas said: “We’re travelling up on the day. We’re stopping at a hotel outside the area to have lunch and our team meeting.

“I think we’re using Gillingham’s first-team coach. Some people don’t mind overnight stays, some do, but they will get to stay in their own beds.

“We will have a comfortable ride up. We