SIMEON Akinola believes Braintree Town’s FA Cup heroics against Eastbourne Borough were something that they owed to their fans.

The Iron rewrote the club’s record books by booking a place in the second round for the first time ever - when they will travel to League One side Millwall at the start of December - with a 7-0 hammering of Eastbourne last weekend.

They will be hoping to follow it up positively when they head to Wrexham in the Vanarama National League on Saturday and Akinola felt it was a performance that rewarded the Iron fans’ patience during what has been a tough season so far.

“We owed it to the fans after some results this year and it was just one of those days when everything went in,” said the 24-year-old.

“To be fair, it was about time that we had one of those days and we were very happy to be in the next round.

“It had been coming for a while - right back to the York game – and Eastbourne were just on the wrong side of it.

“Getting the early goals was the difference.

“However, we can’t get carried away by it.

“We have to keep doing the basics well and start games the way we did.”

In the absence of the suspended Chez Isaac, Akinola was handed the captain’s armband by manager Hakan Hayrettin for the FA Cup tie.

He added: “I’ve been here three seasons now and it was the first time I had started as captain.

“I had the armband in the game against Aldershot when Chez went off but this was a good moment. I have to keep it now and I’ve already had words with Chez about it as we won seven-nil.”

Akinola scored the final one of those seven FA Cup goals and was relieved to be on target himself after playing a significant part in the crafting of several others.

He said: “As a striker or a forward player, you pay the bills by scoring goals.

“I know it sounds selfish, but if the team wins six-nil and you don’t see your name up there on the scoresheet, you’re always going to feel a touch disappointed with your performance.

“I had two or three assists, but if your name isn’t up there, there is always that disappointment so I’m just glad and it was a relief to get the goal.

“Hopefully we can carry it into the next game.”

The former Harrow Borough man has been the subject of significant interest by other clubs this season - including one offer, believed to be £25,000, by National League rivals Lincoln City.

However, Akinola insists he only has performing well for Braintree Town on his mind rather than getting caught up in speculation about his future.

“The reality is that it has been ongoing for a while,” he said.

“It’s flattering to be linked with other clubs and it’s no secret that I want to play in the Football League as I want to improve and play at the highest level I can.

“That’s my objective as a player, so I take it as a compliment, but I can’t allow my head to be turned by speculation.

“If I have a decision to make then I have a decision to make, but until then, I’m a Braintree player and my head is fully on the pitch.

“I’m just looking to improve and help my team move up the table – that’s the most important thing to me now.

“If I put in good performances then everything else will take care of itself.”