We've got to win the fight, insists Chats leader O'Brien

Wednesday 09th September 2009

CHATHAM TOWN boss Alex O’Brien says his side must win the fight against league rivals Walton Casuals in the FA Cup on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

O’Brien played a part in his side knocking out plucky Eastbourne United in the last round - as striker Lee Barnett, who scored the winning goal in the replay - wore his bosses boots.

Walton Casuals arrive at Maidstone Road three places above the hosts - and O’Brien, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today, is looking forward to the first qualifying round clash at Maidstone Road.

“It’s a game where the league table and the form guide and all that goes out the window,” O’Brien admitted.

“It’s just very much on the day. It’s very much like a boxing fight - it’s whoever can get in there first, get out and get a result and get themselves in the hat for the draw for the next round.”

O’Brien has told his side to stamp their authority on the game from first minute to last.

He said: “The majority off the games we have been playing ok, we’re just not starting well and finishing the games well. We either do sixty minutes well and then thirty minutes of pure and utter rubbish.

“We’re not starting or finishing the game well like we did in pre-season and that’s the disappointing factor, not grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and it’s trying to get that good habit back in every single game.”

With no injury concerns going into the game, O’Brien is also looking forward to the extra media coverage.

“We’ve got some cameras coming down from the FA to take some pictures, making it a special treat as the FA Cup is a special day,” he said.

“We’re going to have some people coming down and have some coverage of the game - but our job is to get a result on the day.”

With £3,000 up for grabs for the winner, O’Brien, who actually works for the Football Association as an administrator, admitted that adds extra pressure.

“You look at it like that it sounds like a lot of pressure,” he said. “Three thousand pounds on one game, it comes across as a lot of pressure, but that comes with winning.

“The further you get the more money but you get a decent draw and a bit of luck and you never know.”

Visit Chatham Town’s website: www.chathamtownfc.net

Chatham Town v Walton Casuals

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) First Qualifying Round

Saturday 12th September 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

at Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Bourneville Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6ES