DON'T let yourselves down!
That will be manager Peter Jackson's final instruction to Town before they run out to tackle Welling United on Sunday in the FA Cup (1.00).
Jackson - who has skipper Jon Worthington back after suspension and striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher pushing for a start - is well aware the Conference South visitors will be focused on causing a first-round upset at the Galpharm.
Beaten at the first hurdle for the last two seasons by Accrington and Stockport, however, Jackson is in no mood for a third early exit and today spelled out exactly what he expects in front of a 5,000 crowd (500 from Welling).
"Cup football is all about getting through and, at 3pm on Sunday, we want to be sitting down in the dressing room wondering who we are going to get in the second round," he said.
"To be sure of that, we have to do a lot better than we did last week and, because of what happened against Swindon, there is pressure on me and the players to come up with a winning performance.
"Welling have got just about the best possible draw they could have hoped for and will come here with no pressure and ready to have a go.
"We have to realise that, recognise it's an important game for our club and make sure that we don't let ourselves down when it comes to the battle."
Jackson, whose squad will have a final warm-up session tomorrow, hasn't won an FA Cup-tie as manager since the fourth round replay against Wrexham (2-1) in February 1999.
"We have had a really positive build-up this week," said Jackson, who reports John McAliskey needs a double hernia operation as soon as possible.
"The players don't need me to tell them they played poorly last time out, but they've been told we can't afford the same again on Sunday. Four or five players had their worst games of the season against Swindon and Chelsea couldn't carry that many, so I'm pretty sure we can't.
"Fortunately, I can count the number of times the lads have genuinely let me down on the fingers of one hand and we'll go into the tie aiming for a good win."
Jackson has arranged friendlies at Silsden on Tuesday, November 15, and AFC Emley the following Tuesday (7.30, Welfare Ground) to get injured trio Martin McIntosh, Adnan Ahmed and Lee Fowler back into action.
