Maamria fired up for Mariners Cup clash
DINO Maamria says Burton Albion will travel “full of confidence” after being drawn away against Grimsby Town in the FA Cup third round.
The Brewers will face the League Two side at Blundell Park on the weekend of January 6-8 and Albion boss Maamria said: “We obviously wanted a home draw against anybody but we didn’t get that.
“But it’s a game we are looking forward to and both us and Grimsby have a big chance to get into the fourth round and an even bigger tie, so the stakes get even bigger. Grimsby have been doing really well in cup competitions, beating Cambridge United and Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup and knocking out Manchester City Under-21s in the Papa Johns Trophy.
“I know Paul Hurst (Mariners manager) very well and his players and I think it will be a brilliant third round cup tie for both clubs.
“I’m sure our fans will travel in numbers to make it feel like a home tie. They will have a full house and it’s always a tough place to go but I know our fans will be magnificent and it will be an exciting day.
“We believe we can win and we will go there full of confidence.”
Grimsby boss Hurst made 17 appearances for the Brewers as a full-back in the second half of the 2007-08 season, on loan from the only other club of his 16-year career 16-year, Rotherham United, helping Albion reach the Conference play-off semi-finals.
Former Albion midfielder Bryn Morris joined them this season upon his release from the Brewers and has made 18 appearances so far, scoring one goal.
Manchester City and Chelsea will go head-to-head in the third round. Pep Guardiola’s men will host Graham Potter’s Blues in one of a number of all-premier League affairs which will also see Everton travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Liverpool will entertain Wolves and Brentford will welcome West Ham United, while leaders Arsenal were drawn away to League One Oxford United.
National League Chesterfield were drawn at home to Championship side West Bromwich Albion, while counterparts Boreham Wood will be visited by League One side Accrington Stanley and Wrexham head for second-tier Coventry City.
Derby County were drawn at home against fellow League One side Barnsley, while Nottingham Forest will travel to face Championship outfit Blackpool.
National League side Dagenham & Redbridge or Gillingham will host Leicester City.