Devonshire’s done his homework on Shaymen
Maidenhead United will be hoping to make history this weekend by reaching round two of the FA Cup for the first time in 135 years, and boss Alan Devonshire says he has done his homework on opposition FC Halifax Town.
The two sides last met on the opening day of the National League season when the Magpies emerged victorious in a 2-1 win at The Shay, thanks to Sam Barratt and Kane Ferdinand.
However, that result ‘ain’t going to count for anything’ when the teams go head-to-head on Saturday according to boss Devonshire, with the Shaymen now flying high domestically and brimming with confidence.
“They are going to be proper tough to beat,” he said. “They are currently fourth in the league and have only lost three games this season.
“One of their defeats was against us earlier on in the season – the first game I think – but that ain’t going to count for anything. We’ll just have to see what we can do.
“We have done our homework and researched them. We always do, in league games and in cup games.”
On his emotions approaching the match, Devonshire added: “I get nervous but it’s mostly for the boys, not myself. I worry before every game because I want my boys to do well.
“We are mostly looking forward to it. We’ve got a few injuries at the moment which ain’t helpful or good for us.
“It’s not worth mentioning who they are because I don’t want them (FC Halifax Town) to get an advantage.
“But listen, it is what it is, and we’ll give it our best. That’s all we can do.”