WEYMOUTH assistant-manager Paul Maitland expects a tactical game of “cat and mouse” when the Terras travel to Chelmsford City in the FA Cup third qualifying round tomorrow (3pm).
Maitland revealed that both sides have had each other watched and anticipates an “incredibly tough” task against the National League South outfit.
The Clarets won six of their first seven league games, but have drawn four and lost one of their next five, with a 7-0 thrashing of Ramsgate in the FA Cup second qualifying round their only victory in September.
And Maitland described the encounter as a “risk-free” game for his team.
He told Echosport: “I think it’s a risk-free game for us. It’s an opportunity to have a go and try and turn them over. It’s going to be incredibly tough, they’ve had a good start to their season.
“We’ve watched them play and they’ve watched us play. Tactically it will be a game of cat and mouse. We’ll go there and give it our best shot.
“We showed on Tuesday we never give up and we’re going to need that. Someone’s got to have a bit of a run in the FA Cup, so why not us? It’s a difficult game and we’ll have to be very good to get something out of it.”
With Chelmsford one league above the Terras, Maitland feels they go into the tie as clear favourites.
“Clearly, we’re the underdogs. Chelmsford are a well-established National League South side.
“They’re favourites and are deserving of that tag because of their status, but that makes us dangerous – we can play without any pressure on us,” he said.
Weymouth welcome back Sean Stewart to their matchday squad, while Ben Thomson came through the 3-2 win over Basingstoke unscathed after a recent hamstring problem.
Forward Harry McGrath is also expected to take a squad place for the trip to Essex having made a brief appearance from the bench in midweek.
Maitland said: “Thommo’s just a little sore and he’ll take his place in the starting XI.
“Harry’s been dual-registered since the start of the season with Bashley. Unfortunately he’s suffered an injury pre-season which limited his time with us.
“He’s got back into the Bashley side and he picked up another injury. He’s on his way back from it.
“He’s another one we’ve got high hopes for and will gradually be integrated into the squad as his fitness levels improve. I expect him to be in the squad on Saturday as well.”
