From Sudbury Today - 24 Oct 02

[Colin Zeal EFM]

relaxed approach to the big game

24 October 2002

 

 

FA CUP fever may be sweeping the town, but AFC manager Keith Martin is keeping his feet firmly on the ground in advance of Saturday's fourth qualifying round home tie against St Albans City.

 

"I know it's a cliche, but we are treating every game as it comes. We have had important Jewson League, League Cup and Suffolk Premier Cup matches recently.

"I want to keep in touch in the league and stay in these cups. I haven't had time to read all my notes on St Albans yet," he said.

Assistant manager Michael Cheetham watched Ryman Premier League leaders St Albans win 2-0 at Bishops Stortford on Tuesday, and he will be giving Martin a report tonight.

Instead of the regular Thursday night light training session, AFC's squad will be taking it easy. "We will be relaxing in the sauna and the pool and talking things through," Martin said.

"I have a fair idea of what my side will be for the game, and although they will all want to play, some of them won't even make the bench. I can only pick eleven.

"St Albans are a strong, well organised side, but if everybody plays to their potential we can give them a good game.

"It's a big game for the boys. They will work hard and they want to do well. But like any cup game, it's all about taking chances on the day. We are looking forward to it."

He has virtually a full squad to pick from. Sam Banya is Cup-tied, so Andy Claydon and Gary Bennett will be the two starting front men.

The players will get together for a pre-match lunch on Saturday, as they did prior to the previous round match against Walton and Hersham.

- If Saturday's game ends in a draw, the replay will be at Clarence Park on Tuesday (7.45pm). If there is no replay AFC will host Woodbridge Town in the first round of the Jewson League Cup at King's Marsh Stadium (7.45pm).

- For the record, the last time St Albans City visited Sudbury, they played Town at The Priory in the semi-final of the East Anglian Cup in April 1993, winning 3-2.

- Suffolk Police were yesterday looking into policing arrangements for the game. Fans were urged not to drive to King's Marsh if possible because of works on Ballingdon Bridge.