Curzon boss has eyes on giant killing
CURZON ASHTON manager John Flanagan thinks the odds are in AFC Wimbledon’s favour in their FA Cup second-round clash, but hopes to pull off a shock victory at Tameside Stadium.
In arguably the biggest game in the club’s history, National League North side Curzon are in the second round for only the second time and will aim for a giant killing against their League One foes.
“Can we win the game? Of course we can,” said Flanagan.
“Will we win it? That’s a different matter. The likelihood is that we won’t. However, we’re talking about the FA Cup where shocks happen.”
Curzon last made round two in 2008 after defeating Exeter 3-2, where they played then-Football League side Kidderminster, who triumphed 2-0.
AFC Wimbledon striker Tom Elliott has experience of David versus Goliath cup ties as he was part of the Cambridge side who faced Manchester United in a replay at Old Trafford in February last year and was also part of a Leeds team beaten by Histon.
“Curzon Ashton have done really well and I know everyone wants an upset in the Cup,” he said.
“We have to treat it like a League One match and stick to our game.”
Elsewhere, Bolton host League One rivals Sheffield United and Blades defender Jack O’Connell thinks his side were given the toughest draw of the round.
“We are probably the two biggest teams left in the competition. The draw couldn’t be tougher,” he said.
League One Bristol Rovers host non-League Barrow and the Pirates’ assistant-coach Marcus Stewart knows what to expect.
“We know what Barrow are all about and we are expecting a tough game. The pressure is on us,” said the 44-year-old.
In today’s other games, Cambridge host Coventry, Eastleigh – under new boss Martin Allen for the first time – take on FC Halifax and Millwall welcome Braintree to The Den.
Notts County are at home to Peterborough, League One Northampton travel to Stourbridge, Woking host Accrington and Port Vale take on Hartlepool.