Blues bid to move closer to big boys

Lancaster City boss Phil Brown is ready for his side to be the underdogs for the first time in this season's FA Cup on Saturday.
Phil Brown (photo: Tony North)Phil Brown (photo: Tony North)
Phil Brown (photo: Tony North)

The Dolly Blues head to NPL Premier Division leaders Shaw Lane in the third qualifying round.

The winners will bank £7,500 and move within one victory of the first round proper and a chance to face a Football League side in the world’s most famous cup competition.

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Brown’s side do have one thing to their advantage, the Barnsley side’s only defeat in their last 11 games is a 3-0 reverse at Giant Axe on 
September 9.

“It’s going to be a bit different to the other two cup games when we were favourites,” said the Blues boss.

“This is top of the league away from home.

“They’ve won 10 of their last 11 games but that defeat was to us. They are a physical side and we’re going to have to match that. If we can do that then we’ve got a massive chance.

“Our energy levels and quality can cause them problems.

“We’re not fearful at all, we’re going there to give a good account of ourselves.

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“We’ve just got to be our natural selves and I’m sure we’ll get opportunities.”

Some players would be forgiven for casting their eyes towards the first round proper where League One and Two clubs enter the fray.

Brown says all eyes though are on a tough test in Yorkshire this Saturday.

“We’re just focused on this game and if we get through we’ll just see what happens,” the City manager 
said. “We’re not looking at the first round.

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“Maybe if you win through this and you’re one game away then it comes to the forefront of your mind. But we’re two games away at the moment.

“As well as winning the game on Saturday, the £7,500 could make a real difference to us this season.”