LEE CLARK has stressed there’s no room for complacency in tonight’s FA Cup clash against Dagenham & Redbridge and warned his Town squad: “You’re playing for your places.”
A crowd of around 7,000 is expected at the Galpharm (7.45) as Town tackle the League II Londoners with the aim of making Sunday’s second round draw, which will be broadcast live on ITV1 around 3.35pm.
It’s Clark’s first ever involvement at this stage of the competition and he’s drilled home the message Town can’t take anything for granted if they are to notch a third win on the trot and maintain their unbeaten home record this season.
“If players ever think it’s going to be easy because they’re up against lower-league opposition then nine times out of 10 they end up with egg on their faces – and that should be motivation enough for us to go about this tie in the right way,” said Clark, who has striker Lee Novak (shoulder) available after an all-clear scan.
“All I can say to my lads is that whichever XI is picked they are playing to stay in the side, and to keep their places in a team which is hopefully going to be successful this season.
“Individually and collectively that should drive them on, because we have a strong squad and if someone under performs then we change the team.”
Defender Tom Clarke, on the bench at Oldham, is back in contention as Town look for a fifth straight Galpharm clean sheet to extend their record of seven hours and 24 minutes without conceding on home soil.
“Dagenham are a competitive side, full of confidence and they are coming here with nothing to lose, so we have to be ready for that,” added Clark. “We have to have the right mindset and be prepared for a tough, tough match, but we are at home, we’ve got a great record here and we are aiming to continue that.”
Sports editor Mel Booth talks about the latest Town news and looks forward to tonight's clash as well as potential transfer window moves in the latest edition of Town Talk below.
