It’s Emirates FA Cup weekend and United head to Aldershot Town for what could be a terrific match at the EBB.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Gary Owers at his weekly press call.
“We’re going there to try and win. The [FA] Cup brings excitement; it brings publicity. The players can attract attention to themselves. Managers can attract attention to themselves. Let’s go there and be positive and try and get through to the next round.”
The Gaffer has many fond memories of the FA Cup, having played in the final for Sunderland against Liverpool in 1992.
“I’ve had some great days [in the FA Cup] in my career. I was fortunate enough to play in a [FA Cup] final, but I’ve also been knocked out playing against Scunthorpe for Sunderland many years ago. I’ve suffered both sides of the coin.
“It is a chance to have the best day of your life and it doesn’t necessarily have to be in the final. I look at teams from the National League last season, Lincoln going to Premier League stadiums and playing in front of massive crowds – national status. It is there if they want it.
“It is a good game. An attacking team. Aldershot won’t sit back and we’ll have to deal with it and come up with something to counter it. There’s no reason we can’t go there and get through.”
“I’d like to get to the 1st round, 2nd round, 3rd round. There are places I would like to get to in the FA Cup. That is what’s at stake.”
Aldershot are a team that tend to play with the ball on the ground. Both head coach Gary Owers and his assistant Martin Kuhl are former coaches at the EBB. They know what will be coming for United.
“Gary Waddock always set his teams up to play attacking football. Wide players and full-backs that push on. A no10 that will play in areas where he is hard to pick up. We have to be organized. Hopefully we’ll give them a problem as well.”
Aldershot have dangers all over the pitch and share goals throughout their squad. Former Torquay United loanee Shamir Fenelon, and Matt McClure are on four goals apiece for the season so far.
Jordan Lee has returned to the Club but Saturday’s game might come too quickly for him. Jon-Paul Pittman is out of contention after picking up a calf injury. Sam Chaney (groin) and Yan Klukowski are still yet to recover from their injuries to be considered. Myles Anderson has a mild hamstring strain. Goalkeeper Neal Osborn has returned from his loan from Barnstaple as Ryan Clarke is unavailable due to a bout of sickness.
For travel & entry information please see here.
Emirates FA Cup
Aldershot Town Vs Torquay United | 14/10/17 | 3pm Kick-Off
Aldershot Town
The EBB Stadium
High Street
Aldershot
Hampshire
GU11 1TW