Playing The Fylde

JOHN Sheridan knows his Argyle team must not take their opposition lightly when they host AFC Fylde of the Conference North in Saturday’s FA Cup first-round tie.

Despite the visiting Coasters currently competing two divisions lower than the Pilgrims, John is well aware that, if his team do not play to their full potential against Fylde, there is every chance of them falling victim to a classic giant-killing.

“It is a big game for Fylde, so it will be a tough game for us,” said John. “I have had them watched by Darren [Sheridan, Chief Scout] and I have watched them myself a couple of times, and they are a really good team.

“They are playing good football, winning games, and playing with a bit of confidence. When you play with confidence, you expect to go out and win the next game.

“It does not matter who you are playing; you have got to prepare properly. I expect a tough game, and we have prepared for a tough game.”

The manager is also keen to challenge some players who have been on the fringe of the first team to prove they are worthy of a regular starting place, and to show the correct mentality for the tricky cup tie on Saturday.

He said: “I will pick a team that hopefully will win us the game. I have said before that I have got 16, 17, 18 players who can come and win us the game.

“The lads know what I am like, and I told them that we are preparing for a very tough game. I expect us to win, but there is no way that we will take the game lightly. We will give them the respect they deserve.

“We have got to be careful we do not go into the game too relaxed, and I have made sure that the players will not do that.”