FOOTBALL: FOOTBALL: CITY boss Mark Robins has warned his side of Maidenhead’s threat from the touchline as the Sky Blues prepare to start their FA Cup campaign.
The National League outfit has endured a stop-start campaign thus far – winning just seven of their 18 league games.
Despite being positioned mid-table, Maidenhead has one of the best goalscoring records in the National League. And part of this is down to Sam Barratt’s long-range throw.
Robins described Barratt’s throw as a ‘tough challenge’ and he admitted his Sky Blues XI will have to compete if they are to keep up with Alan Devonshire’s side.
Speaking this morning, Robins said: “Maidenhead will make the game difficult. But on the flip side we’re on the back of a good result and we want to carry that momentum.
“Maidenhead are a physical side.
“They’ve got a long throw and it’ll be a tough challenge. We’ll have to compete to keep with them.
“They have giants all over the pitch. They’re an honest team and will chase and close down the ball.
“Some of the lads will be part-time. It’s a completely different challenge psychologically and we’ve got to be ready.”
Though some claim the magic of the FA Cup has evaporated over the years, the competition means just as much to Robins now as it did when he won the title with Manchester United in 1990.
He said: “We want to get as far as we can in this competition.
“It’s a great competition. It never changes for me.
“When the draw comes you want to be in the hat.”
It’s unlikely the Sky Blues will field a weaker side than usual as Robins admitted he doesn’t ‘have the luxury’ to rest players.
He said: “We’ll have to impose our game on them and break them down.
“I don’t have the luxury to rest players. We’ve got to try and win the game.”
