WEYMOUTH boss Jason Matthews is keen to ensure his side avoid a “massive banana skin” as they prepare to do battle with Hellenic League outfit Brimscombe and Thrupp in the FA Cup.
Brimscombe are set to visit the Bob Lucas Stadium in the third qualifying round tomorrow (3pm) with the Terras’ listed as red-hot favourites to progress to the next stage and bank £7,500 in prize money in the process.
But Matthews, whose side were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw against Cinderford on Tuesday night, insists his side will treat the Lilywhites with respect.
He told Echosport: “Obviously it’s a massive banana skin.
“We are odds-on to win. We need to continue playing how we have played and eradicate the 10-minute spell we had at Cinderford.
“We just need to be positive and go into the game as if it was the same as a league game really.”
Commenting on the visitors, who have never been further than the preliminary round until this season, the Weymouth chief added: “I haven’t had them watched but somebody I know played them in pre-season.
“I know they have got a few players from Hartpury College, which has got a good reputation for producing players.
“They have nothing to lose but we won’t be taking them lightly. It’s more about us going out, doing our jobs and scoring some goals.”
Despite Brimscombe and Thrupp’s cup heroics, which saw them beat Brislington in the last round to book their tie with the Terras, they have been on a poor run of form – having lost five out of their last six in all competitions.
Matthews is fully aware that should his side lose on Saturday, it will be a huge shock, but he insists his side are capable of handling the cup pressure and put an end to the Lilywhites’ Cinderella story.
He added: “I think there is a pressure of playing for Weymouth in the Southern League anyway because we are one of the biggest clubs. The players are used to that and there is no reason for us not to win, we just have to go out and do the business.”
On the injury front for the hosts, Aaron Rodriguez was set to see a chiropractor yesterday to assess the back problem that kept him on the bench in midweek.
Calvin Brooks, who has picked up a muscle strain in his back, is set to undergo a fitness test before the tie.
