*BS*Dover Athletic goalkeeper Mitch Walker talks to Jack O’Sullivan about Saturday’s FA Cup clash against MK Dons, and is confident that Whites can put on a good performance.*BF*

One of the season’s highlights thus far has undoubtedly been the emergence of Mitch Walker as one of the leading goalkeepers in the non-league game, signified by the 22-year-olds recent call-ups to the England C side.

This Saturday, Walker will line up for a Dover Athletic side facing one of the biggest matches in the club’s history, travelling to MK Dons to face the League One side in the second round of the FA Cup.

In terms of club matches he has participated in, Walker ranks this forthcoming rank right at the top: “It’ll be the biggest game I’ve ever played in for the club. Last year’s play-off final against Salisbury was a good experience, but in terms of what this game could mean for the club, it’s the biggest.”

With it being nearly four weeks since the draw was made, the ex-Brighton stopper dismissed any suggestion that this game has been on the back of his mind ever since: “Of course, when you’re not playing matches you think about the Cup game. We’ve played four games since the draw was made, though, and have been fully focused on them – as the results prove.”

Those four games have seen Whites progress in the FA Trophy, with wins over Bath City and East Thurrock after Tuesday’s replay, and add to their Skrill South points tally with a dominant win over Chelmsford a fortnight ago.

That victory, which the side won 4-0 despite going down to ten men early on, was more comfortable than Walker expected: “I’ve played there a few times before, and they’ve always been tough opposition – and when we had a man sent off, a draw probably wouldn’t have been a bad result.

Us getting the first goal was important, and in the second half they just crumbled. I’ve never experienced a game like that before.”

Whites’ path to the second round has seen wins over Guernsey, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Oxford City and Corby Town – all games which, on paper at least, the side were expected to win.

This time around, with over 70 league places separating Dover Athletic and MK Dons, Walker is happy to enter the game as underdogs: “In the previous rounds, we’ve been favourites so the pressure has been on us. On Saturday, I don’t expect many people to give us a chance but we’re fine with that.

It’s a good opportunity for us all to show what we can do. There’s a lot of players in our side, myself included, who think we can play League football in the future so this is a chance for us to prove ourselves. There’s a great mix of experience and youth in the side too – as well as our younger players, guys like Nathan Elder and Terrell Forbes have been there before and their experience helps us all out, both on and off the pitch.

With regards to the match itself, I think we can be confident of getting something out of it. There have been much bigger shocks in the FA Cup before, and we’re all going there confident of getting a result.”

Whilst playing a side three leagues above you is always going to be tough, MK Dons’ recent form should give hope. Losing eight of their last 11 games, Walker says there is no reason to be defeatist: “They had a great start to the season but in the past couple of months they’ve struggled. There’s absolutely no pressure on us. We’re expected to lose, so can just go out there and enjoy the game.

At the end of the day, anything can happen in football. Someone can be sent off in the first minute of a game which can completely change a game. This match is what Cup football is all about, and the publicity is welcome. We have ITV cameras coming down to our training session tonight.”

One key difference between the two sides on Saturday may prove to be fitness levels, particularly towards the end of the tie. Walker is confident the side can last the distance, though: “For our level, we are a very fit team. Of course, training full-time makes a big difference and there may be some tired legs out there in the final quarter.”

Whites have kept seven clean sheets in their last 14 matches, a run of games which has yielded eleven wins, two draws and just one defeat. After a slow start to the season, Walker feels the side have now gelled: “The way Chris wants his players to play took a few of the new guys a bit of time to get used to – but we’re seeing the results now. Over the past two months we’ve been fantastic and to still be in four competitions is great.”

The FA Trophy remains a more realistic opportunity for Dover to reach Wembley, and it is a competition Mitch feels the side can do well in: “We’ve got a good chance to progress. There’s quite a few Conference Premier sides already knocked out, so there’s no reason we can’t go quite far.”

For now, dreams of progressing in the FA Cup remain and, if Whites were to pull off an upset, Walker would like to draw a top Premier League side at home: “Having a big, big club down at Crabble would be amazing. Lee Hook told me about the atmosphere when Dover played Aldershot, and that’s the kind of game I would love to be involved in.

When we played Ebbsfleet earlier in the season, the ground seem packed then – but to have over three times more people in the ground would be something else.”

Walker is complimentary towards the support received from Hook: “Lee is a great help for me. He’s got a lot of experience at this level, and we always talk about my performance and ways I can improve. He’s great to have around.”

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*BS*Dover Athletic striker Nathan Elder speaks to Jack O’Sullivan ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup tie with MK Dons, assuring fans that he believes the side can cause an upset.*BF*

Elder has been instrumental in Whites’ season thus far, not least for his goalscoring record in Cup competitions – in nine knockout matches, the striker has scored seven goals – including three in four FA Cup matches.

Therefore, it’s of no real surprise that the ex-Brentford hitman is likely to be a key part of Whites’ attempts to cause an FA Cup shock at Milton Keynes on Saturday. In addition to his ability to find the net, Elder’s strong physique means he is the ideal target man and some of his hold-up play has been astounding.

Last Saturday’s draw in the FA Trophy away at East Thurrock set up a midweek replay, but Elder feels this has not hindered their planning for the Cup: “Our preparation has been going great. Everything’s coming together really well, and playing on Tuesday night did help.

The manner in which we won, and the confidence going through to the next round gave us, means that we enter the MK Dons match fully ready.”

Elder opened the scoring against the Essex side in the week, continuing his fine run of form in Cup competitions since his arrival from Skrill South rivals Ebbsfleet United six months ago. Despite only having one league goal to his name, Elder’s seven in the FA Cup, FA Trophy and Kent Senior Cup signify his importance to the side in big games – but isn’t an anomaly he can explain: “I’m not sure why I’ve got so many more goals in the Cups than in the league, but hopefully that can continue on Saturday!”

Whites fans will be hoping Elder can indeed continue this streak at Milton Keynes – after all, Whites have won every game in which the striker has scored, and he approaches Saturday full of hope: “This is a big, big game both for the club and for me personally. I really think we can go there and get a result – if we play to our best, we have a chance. There’s no reason we can’t get a draw at least and bring them back to our place. We have nothing to fear.

There have been bigger upsets in the history of the competition, so we may be big underdogs but we’ll give it our best shot. There’s a great mixture of youth and experience in the side, and I’d much rather be in our position going into the match than MK Dons’ – they’re expected to win.”

Elder is realistic in his acceptance that, whilst Whites do have a fighting chance in this round, their FA Cup run is not likely to extend far into January – but holds high hopes for a successful league campaign: “It’s my aim to bring the number of goals I’ve scored in the Cup competitions into our league matches. I’ve been in good form recently and am looking to go out there in every game and keep performing.”

Whilst most non-league players would dream of a trip to Old Trafford or The Emirates in round three, Elder has his sights set lower: “If we were to get through, I’d love to play Brentford, my old side.”

The 28-year-old made 44 appearances for the West London side during an 18 month spell in 2008 and 2009, scoring 10 goals in the process and was part of the Griffin Park squad in their League Two winning season.

Elder has experience of playing professional football against the standard of players he will face again on Saturday, and is relishing the opportunity to prove he still has what it takes.

*BS*Dover Athletic goalkeeper Mitch Walker talks to Jack O’Sullivan about Saturday’s FA Cup clash against MK Dons, and is confident that Whites can put on a good performance.*BF*

One of the season’s highlights thus far has undoubtedly been the emergence of Mitch Walker as one of the leading goalkeepers in the non-league game, signified by the 22-year-olds recent call-ups to the England C side.

This Saturday, Walker will line up for a Dover Athletic side facing one of the biggest matches in the club’s history, travelling to MK Dons to face the League One side in the second round of the FA Cup.

In terms of club matches he has participated in, Walker ranks this forthcoming rank right at the top: “It’ll be the biggest game I’ve ever played in for the club. Last year’s play-off final against Salisbury was a good experience, but in terms of what this game could mean for the club, it’s the biggest.”

With it being nearly four weeks since the draw was made, the ex-Brighton stopper dismissed any suggestion that this game has been on the back of his mind ever since: “Of course, when you’re not playing matches you think about the Cup game. We’ve played four games since the draw was made, though, and have been fully focused on them – as the results prove.”

Those four games have seen Whites progress in the FA Trophy, with wins over Bath City and East Thurrock after Tuesday’s replay, and add to their Skrill South points tally with a dominant win over Chelmsford a fortnight ago.

That victory, which the side won 4-0 despite going down to ten men early on, was more comfortable than Walker expected: “I’ve played there a few times before, and they’ve always been tough opposition – and when we had a man sent off, a draw probably wouldn’t have been a bad result.

Us getting the first goal was important, and in the second half they just crumbled. I’ve never experienced a game like that before.”

Whites’ path to the second round has seen wins over Guernsey, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Oxford City and Corby Town – all games which, on paper at least, the side were expected to win.

This time around, with over 70 league places separating Dover Athletic and MK Dons, Walker is happy to enter the game as underdogs: “In the previous rounds, we’ve been favourites so the pressure has been on us. On Saturday, I don’t expect many people to give us a chance but we’re fine with that.

It’s a good opportunity for us all to show what we can do. There’s a lot of players in our side, myself included, who think we can play League football in the future so this is a chance for us to prove ourselves. There’s a great mix of experience and youth in the side too – as well as our younger players, guys like Nathan Elder and Terrell Forbes have been there before and their experience helps us all out, both on and off the pitch.

With regards to the match itself, I think we can be confident of getting something out of it. There have been much bigger shocks in the FA Cup before, and we’re all going there confident of getting a result.”

Whilst playing a side three leagues above you is always going to be tough, MK Dons’ recent form should give hope. Losing eight of their last 11 games, Walker says there is no reason to be defeatist: “They had a great start to the season but in the past couple of months they’ve struggled. There’s absolutely no pressure on us. We’re expected to lose, so can just go out there and enjoy the game.

At the end of the day, anything can happen in football. Someone can be sent off in the first minute of a game which can completely change a game. This match is what Cup football is all about, and the publicity is welcome. We have ITV cameras coming down to our training session tonight.”

One key difference between the two sides on Saturday may prove to be fitness levels, particularly towards the end of the tie. Walker is confident the side can last the distance, though: “For our level, we are a very fit team. Of course, training full-time makes a big difference and there may be some tired legs out there in the final quarter.”

Whites have kept seven clean sheets in their last 14 matches, a run of games which has yielded eleven wins, two draws and just one defeat. After a slow start to the season, Walker feels the side have now gelled: “The way Chris wants his players to play took a few of the new guys a bit of time to get used to – but we’re seeing the results now. Over the past two months we’ve been fantastic and to still be in four competitions is great.”

The FA Trophy remains a more realistic opportunity for Dover to reach Wembley, and it is a competition Mitch feels the side can do well in: “We’ve got a good chance to progress. There’s quite a few Conference Premier sides already knocked out, so there’s no reason we can’t go quite far.”

For now, dreams of progressing in the FA Cup remain and, if Whites were to pull off an upset, Walker would like to draw a top Premier League side at home: “Having a big, big club down at Crabble would be amazing. Lee Hook told me about the atmosphere when Dover played Aldershot, and that’s the kind of game I would love to be involved in.

When we played Ebbsfleet earlier in the season, the ground seem packed then – but to have over three times more people in the ground would be something else.”

Walker is complimentary towards the support received from Hook: “Lee is a great help for me. He’s got a lot of experience at this level, and we always talk about my performance and ways I can improve. He’s great to have around.”

*BS*Dover Athletic return to FA Cup action this weekend, with a trip to MK Dons in the second round sure to provide a memorable day for the club. Jack O’Sullivan previews the big match.*BF*

Nearly four weeks after the draw for the second round of the FA Cup was made, Dover Athletic are now able to fully concentrate on this weekend’s clash against MK Dons – and, despite the gap between the sides, there is a real level of self-belief within the squad.

Since Whites’ first round victory against Corby, wins over Bath City, Chelmsford City and East Thurrock have seen the side extend an impressive run of form, stretching back to the middle of September. Dover’s last fourteen matches in all competitions have yielded eleven wins, two draws and just one defeat.

Still being involved in four competitions entering December – the Skrill South, FA Cup, FA Trophy and the Kent Senior Cup – is certainly a rare occurrence for the club, and is testament to Chris Kinnear’s stated desire to win each match regardless of the opposition or occasion.

Two weeks ago, Kinnear commented: “There would have been a time early in my management career when I would have prioritised the league, but nowadays I just want to win every game.”

Tuesday night’s FA Trophy replay against East Thurrock was successfully navigated, with goals from Nathan Elder and a brace from substitute Liam Bellamy sealing a 3-1 victory. With a home tie in the next round against Skrill North side Leamington, there is hope that this season can be a fruitful one across the board.

Saturday’s match will be Whites’ second ever appearance at this stage of the FA Cup, following on from the successful campaign in the 2010/11 season. A first round win away at Kent rivals Gillingham set up a home tie with then-League Two side Aldershot Town for a place in the third round, and progression was sealed courtesy of a brace from Adam Birchall in a 2-0 victory.

A trip to Huddersfield Town in the third round was where the side’s cup run ended, however. Two goals in the opening eight minutes proved too much of an obstacle to overcome, but the memories from that day live long in the memory and the chance to emulate that run is a fantastic opportunity.

MK Dons’ best ever performance in the Cup came last season, when wins over Cambridge City, AFC Wimbledon, Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers set up a fifth round tie at home to Barnsley. It was the visitors who progressed to the quarter-final stage however, winning 3-1 at Stadium mk.

Draws have been quite fortunate to Dover thus far, with the side – before now – not facing higher-league opposition. The road to Saturday started at the end of September, with a 3-2 victory over Guernsey, courtesy of goals from James Rogers, Nathan Elder and Ricky Modeste.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds were dispatched 3-1 in the third qualifying round, thanks to strikes from Sean Raggett, Barry Cogan and an Aaron Parkinson own goal – Cogan and Raggett found themselves on the scoresheet once more in the final qualifying round at the end of October, where Skrill North side Oxford City were comfortably dispatched in a 3-0 win.

League One and Two sides were potential opponents in the first round, but Whites were drawn away at Corby Town. Two second- half headers, from Nathan Elder and Chris Kinnear Jr, propelled Dover into the next round with a 2-0 win – Corby did have their chances to take the lead, but Mitch Walker’s impressive first-half display arguably kept the side in the competition.

Given their league status, MK Dons have only featured in one match thus far. Drawn against mid-table Skrill Premier side Halifax Town, Dons eased to a 4-1 win in front of a crowd of just over 4,000. Izale McLeod netted a brace in this match, but has since joined League Two side Northampton Town on loan.

Being drawn against non-league opposition once again will give Dons fans hopes of progressing to the next round, but manager Karl Robinson remains respectful: “Once again, we will not be taking it lightly. We’ll do our usual match preparation session on them, just as we would for any League game. They won’t be coming here just for the party, they’ll be coming here to win the game. Regardless of the difference in Leagues, it’ll be 11 men versus 11 men and on any given day, anyone can come out victorious.”

Top goalscorer for MK Dons this season is Patrick Bamford. The 20-year-old striker, on-loan from Chelsea, has hit thirteen goals so far and is the stand-out threat in attack. Bamford’s loan deal at the club expires in a month’s time, and with Championship sides queuing up to borrow the England under-21 international, Dons need to make the most of the time they do have with him still in their ranks.

Former Manchester United man Alan Smith adds international experience to Robinson’s side, and the loan signing of Dale Jennings was recently announced. Jennings, who moved from Tranmere Rovers to German side Bayern Munich in July 2011, did well during Dons’ 3-1 loss last Saturday and is a real threat.

That home defeat to Coventry is the latest in a string of disappointing results. Whilst Dover’s recent form is impressive, Dons’ is anything but – eight defeats from their last eleven matches see them sit in 12th place in the League One table with the pressure starting to mount on Robinson. The three victories claimed during this spell have all come at home, however.

MK Dons’ superior results at home can be matched against Dover’s away form. On the road, Whites have won five matches out of eight and conceded just four goals. In the Skrill South, Kinnear’s side still have the best defensive record in the league, having conceding only nine goals in 14 games.

Midfielder Ricky Modeste faces a late fitness test ahead of the match, as he struggles to overcome injury – the winger played for 50 minutes in Tuesday night’s FA Trophy replay against East Thurrock, but questions remain regarding his match fitness. Once again, the majority of the side picks itself, with the only doubt being Modeste’s potential inclusion.

Saturday’s referee will be Lee Collins, who took charge of Dons’ 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in this competition last season.

*BS*What is your prediction for Saturday’s big match? Use the ‘User Comments’ section below to have your say.*BF*

*BS*Dover Athletic will host Leamington FC in the second round of the FA Trophy. The match is scheduled for December 14th at Crabble.*BF*

Whites overcame East Thurrock 3-1 on Tuesday in a replay after a 1-1 draw in Essex on Saturday. Leamington defeated Northwich 1-0 in their replay on the same night.

Leamington are currently 16th place in the Skrill North, with just one win on their travels from seven league matches.

Prize money of £6,000 is on offer to the winners of the second round match.

*BS*Dover Athletic return to FA Cup action this weekend, with a trip to MK Dons in the second round sure to provide a memorable day for the club. Jack O’Sullivan previews the big match.*BF*

Nearly four weeks after the draw for the second round of the FA Cup was made, Dover Athletic are now able to fully concentrate on this weekend’s clash against MK Dons – and, despite the gap between the sides, there is a real level of self-belief within the squad.

Since Whites’ first round victory against Corby, wins over Bath City, Chelmsford City and East Thurrock have seen the side extend an impressive run of form, stretching back to the middle of September. Dover’s last fourteen matches in all competitions have yielded eleven wins, two draws and just one defeat.

Still being involved in four competitions entering December – the Skrill South, FA Cup, FA Trophy and the Kent Senior Cup – is certainly a rare occurrence for the club, and is testament to Chris Kinnear’s stated desire to win each match regardless of the opposition or occasion.

Two weeks ago, Kinnear commented: “There would have been a time early in my management career when I would have prioritised the league, but nowadays I just want to win every game.”

Tuesday night’s FA Trophy replay against East Thurrock was successfully navigated, with goals from Nathan Elder and a brace from substitute Liam Bellamy sealing a 3-1 victory. With a home tie in the next round against Skrill North side Leamington, there is hope that this season can be a fruitful one across the board.

Saturday’s match will be Whites’ second ever appearance at this stage of the FA Cup, following on from the successful campaign in the 2010/11 season. A first round win away at Kent rivals Gillingham set up a home tie with then-League Two side Aldershot Town for a place in the third round, and progression was sealed courtesy of a brace from Adam Birchall in a 2-0 victory.

A trip to Huddersfield Town in the third round was where the side’s cup run ended, however. Two goals in the opening eight minutes proved too much of an obstacle to overcome, but the memories from that day live long in the memory and the chance to emulate that run is a fantastic opportunity.

MK Dons’ best ever performance in the Cup came last season, when wins over Cambridge City, AFC Wimbledon, Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers set up a fifth round tie at home to Barnsley. It was the visitors who progressed to the quarter-final stage however, winning 3-1 at Stadium mk.

Draws have been quite fortunate to Dover thus far, with the side – before now – not facing higher-league opposition. The road to Saturday started at the end of September, with a 3-2 victory over Guernsey, courtesy of goals from James Rogers, Nathan Elder and Ricky Modeste.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds were dispatched 3-1 in the third qualifying round, thanks to strikes from Sean Raggett, Barry Cogan and an Aaron Parkinson own goal – Cogan and Raggett found themselves on the scoresheet once more in the final qualifying round at the end of October, where Skrill North side Oxford City were comfortably dispatched in a 3-0 win.

League One and Two sides were potential opponents in the first round, but Whites were drawn away at Corby Town. Two second- half headers, from Nathan Elder and Chris Kinnear Jr, propelled Dover into the next round with a 2-0 win – Corby did have their chances to take the lead, but Mitch Walker’s impressive first-half display arguably kept the side in the competition.

Given their league status, MK Dons have only featured in one match thus far. Drawn against mid-table Skrill Premier side Halifax Town, Dons eased to a 4-1 win in front of a crowd of just over 4,000. Izale McLeod netted a brace in this match, but has since joined League Two side Northampton Town on loan.

Being drawn against non-league opposition once again will give Dons fans hopes of progressing to the next round, but manager Karl Robinson remains respectful: “Once again, we will not be taking it lightly. We’ll do our usual match preparation session on them, just as we would for any League game. They won’t be coming here just for the party, they’ll be coming here to win the game. Regardless of the difference in Leagues, it’ll be 11 men versus 11 men and on any given day, anyone can come out victorious.”

Top goalscorer for MK Dons this season is Patrick Bamford. The 20-year-old striker, on-loan from Chelsea, has hit thirteen goals so far and is the stand-out threat in attack. Bamford’s loan deal at the club expires in a month’s time, and with Championship sides queuing up to borrow the England under-21 international, Dons need to make the most of the time they do have with him still in their ranks.

Former Manchester United man Alan Smith adds international experience to Robinson’s side, and the loan signing of Dale Jennings was recently announced. Jennings, who moved from Tranmere Rovers to German side Bayern Munich in July 2011, did well during Dons’ 3-1 loss last Saturday and is a real threat.

That home defeat to Coventry is the latest in a string of disappointing results. Whilst Dover’s recent form is impressive, Dons’ is anything but – eight defeats from their last eleven matches see them sit in 12th place in the League One table with the pressure starting to mount on Robinson. The three victories claimed during this spell have all come at home, however.

MK Dons’ superior results at home can be matched against Dover’s away form. On the road, Whites have won five matches out of eight and conceded just four goals. In the Skrill South, Kinnear’s side still have the best defensive record in the league, having conceding only nine goals in 14 games.

Midfielder Ricky Modeste faces a late fitness test ahead of the match, as he struggles to overcome injury – the winger played for 50 minutes in Tuesday night’s FA Trophy replay against East Thurrock, but questions remain regarding his match fitness. Once again, the majority of the side picks itself, with the only doubt being Modeste’s potential inclusion.

Saturday’s referee will be Lee Collins, who took charge of Dons’ 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in this competition last season.

*BS*What is your prediction for Saturday’s big match? Use the ‘User Comments’ section below to have your say.*BF*

*BS*Dover Athletic will host Leamington FC in the second round of the FA Trophy. The match is scheduled for December 14th at Crabble.*BF*

Whites overcame East Thurrock 3-1 on Tuesday in a replay after a 1-1 draw in Essex on Saturday. Leamington defeated Northwich 1-0 in their replay on the same night.

Leamington are currently 16th place in the Skrill North, with just one win on their travels from seven league matches.

Prize money of £6,000 is on offer to the winners of the second round match.

*BS*A first half volley from Nathan Elder and a brace from substitute Liam Bellamy secured Dover’s place in the second round against Leamington FC, with the tie to be played at Crabble on the 14th December.*BF*

*Lpic1*Manager Chris Kinnear acknowledged that is side were not at their fluent best, but was happy that the job required was done. ‘I was not really happy with the performance but the players did enough and the main thing that we are here for is to win games. East Thurrock made it difficult for us and got behind the ball. They are a dogged and determined team with a lot of experience. They don’t really have any weak links in their team.’

Dover are still unbeaten in all cup competitions this year which delights the boss. ‘We are in December and still in every trophy that we entered. I don’t think any other club at our level can say that. We want to do well in them all!’

Now all the focus and attention falls on Saturday’s trip to Stadium MK for the FA cup second round and despite the odds being well and truly stacked against Athletic, Chris is determined that is team will not be there to just make up the numbers. ‘ We will need to be organised and everyone will need to play to what their ability is. If everyone can do what they do best then we have a chance of beating them.’

He also added ‘As individuals, they are probably not much better, but they do train everyday and their dead balls will be difficult for us. They may not know all about us, but we know all about them. I watched them with Kevin on Tuesday and this is no better time to play them. The pressure is really on them.’

*BS*A first half volley from Nathan Elder and a brace from substitute Liam Bellamy secured Dover’s place in the second round against Leamington FC, with the tie to be played at Crabble on the 14th December.*BF*

*Lpic1*Manager Chris Kinnear acknowledged that is side were not at their fluent best, but was happy that the job required was done. ‘I was not really happy with the performance but the players did enough and the main thing that we are here for is to win games. East Thurrock made it difficult for us and got behind the ball. They are a dogged and determined team with a lot of experience. They don’t really have any weak links in their team.’

Dover are still unbeaten in all cup competitions this year which delights the boss. ‘We are in December and still in every trophy that we entered. I don’t think any other club at our level can say that. We want to do well in them all!’

Now all the focus and attention falls on Saturday’s trip to Stadium MK for the FA cup second round and despite the odds being well and truly stacked against Athletic, Chris is determined that is team will not be there to just make up the numbers. ‘ We will need to be organised and everyone will need to play to what their ability is. If everyone can do what they do best then we have a chance of beating them.’

He also added ‘As individuals, they are probably not much better, but they do train everyday and their dead balls will be difficult for us. They may not know all about us, but we know all about them. I watched them with Kevin on Tuesday and this is no better time to play them. The pressure is really on them.’