Hartlepool United boss full of respect for Anstey Nomads ahead of FA Trophy clash
New Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone insists his side are full of respect for Northern Premier League Division One Midlands outfit Anstey Nomads ahead of this weekend's FA Trophy clash.
While Pools will start Saturday's game as huge favourites, Anstey will make the trip up to Victoria Park full of determination having reached the third round of the Trophy for the first time in their entire history and in fine form.
Indeed, the Nomads will be no pushovers and are third in the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands table having won 11 and drawn four of their 19 matches so far this term, while Tony Blanchard's side caused a shock in the last round of the Trophy by beating Bedford Town.
It's hard to avoid the sense that this is a much bigger game for Anstey than it is for Pools, who are in the unenviable position of being expected to cruise past their lower league opponents while under significant pressure given the criticism that would surely pour forth were Featherstone's side to suffer an embarrassing defeat on Saturday.
Of course, Pools have had their share of humbling cup exits in recent years having been knocked out of the FA Cup by lower level opposition for the last three seasons, including October's humiliating exit at the hands of Northern Premier League Premier Division side Gainsborough Trinity.
Featherstone, then, is eager to make sure his side don't suffer a similar fate this time around, while the new Pools boss has also emphasised the potential for what would be a first ever trip to Wembley Stadium.
Although Featherstone, who was named permanent Pools boss last week following an impressive spell in caretaker charge, has vowed to make changes at the weekend, he insists his side will be taking Saturday's game as seriously as any other.
"It'll be a tough test, these always are," he told the official Pools club website.
"You have to respect them, they're used to winning games of football.
"They're at the top end of their league, they don't lose many games, they're competitive and they win games.
"They'll bring that momentum and that winning mentality with them, and I'm sure it will be a tough test.
"For us, the focus has to be on ourselves - I think it's a mentality thing, we have to set up for this game as we would for any other team.
"We will give Anstey Nomads the respect that they deserve, and the respect that this competition deserves.
"I'll pick a team that I think can go and win this game."