WILY JOHN WARY OF MINNOWS’ CUP CURZ

CURZON ASHTON boss John Flanagan wants his players to keep getting the club’s fans plastered – even if his side’s dream FA Cup draw looks a bit of a nightmare on second look. The National League North strugglers say the side they wanted in the draw for the first round was either a Football League big boy or the lowest ranked team left in the competition. They got their wish with Step 5 survivors Westfields drawn out of the hat but having done some research, they are taking on the country’s form side. That was before Tuesday night when Flanagan’s scouting mission witnessed their opposition lose for the first time, a 2-1 loss to Alvechurch ending a 17-game winning run. Curzon’s squad put their hands in their pockets and clubbed together to buy their supporters a couple of crates of beer to enjoy to and from York City last weekend. They will need the supporters’ vocal chords loosened as they head to the Midland Leaguers having disposed of York City on Monday night. That upset probably put paid to Westfields securing a live TV slot and Flanagan, in his fifth season at the helm, said: “They would have probably wanted York to beat us and get a game on the telly. But we showed fantastic spirit to win the game having come from behind for the second time in the tie. “In our situation you either want one of the really big boys away to have a brilliant day out, the likes of Bolton or Sheffield United. Failing that you want a League club at home and to get on the TV or a the smallest side left in because it enhances the chance of progress. “At least we have got one of them, but it’s away and there’s also the fact that they have won every game so far this season before Tuesday! It’s going to be very difficult, they’ll be bang up for it but we’ve got to go there and try and play our game.” There could be good news for the club’s fans too. The manager explained: “Before the York game the lads got together and bought the fans some beers. “This had nothing to do with the management – we certainly didn’t ask them to but it was a really nice touch. Our supporters may not travel in huge numbers but they are loud and proud – every one of our boys is grateful for them coming and getting behind us. “I’m not sure how many we’ll bring down to Westfields but one thing is for sure is that’s they’ll get behind us the whole way. “Will they be getting more beer? Well you’ll have to as the players that question! It wouldn’t surprise me, we’re that kind of club.”