FA CUP SPECIAL: Everyone has to be on their game - Cronin

EBBSFLEET UNITED goalkeeper Lance Cronin has told his defence to be on their game at Crewe Alexandra tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Fleet travel to Gresty Road in the first round proper of the FA Cup, bidding to reach the second round for only the fifth time in the Stonebridge Road club’s history.

Crewe Alexandra, with only Hereford United below them in the Coca-Cola League One table, haven’t won in eleven games, although the Fleet haven’t won in five Blue Square Premier games.

Both sides, however, have won midweek cup games. The Fleet defeated Eastbourne Borough in the Setanta Shield and Alex knocked Stockport County out of the Cheshire Premier Cup.

What is important in FA Cup ties is for the underdogs’ to ride the early storm - and Cronin, speaking to www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk, believes the Fleet are more than capable of causing an upset.

“Everyone has to be on their game, especially the back four and myself,” he said.

“If we don’t do our jobs properly I’m sure we’ll get found out.

“All the boys are excited about the game,” said the FA Trophy winner. “The pressure is off us a bit. They are the League side and the pressure is on them. It’s going to be a massive day for everyone.”

Meanwhile, Crewe Alexandra boss, Steve Holland, speaking to www.crewealex.net, expects a typical English cup-tie against The Fleet and knows that Daish’s side will be hoping to cause an FA Cup exit in South Cheshire.

Holland has watched the Fleet and knows Daish’s men will be looking at Crewe’s own current situation in League One and eyeing a possible upset.

"We have watched Ebbsfleet and they are a decent team with decent players. They are a well-run club and have a growing fan base following their Internet takeover, so there will be a lot of interest because of that," said Holland.

"Liam Daish was a very good and experienced player and he has them organised and determined to get the ball down and play. They are physically strong and have a good size in their team.

"We will have to play well to be successful and have observed some things we will to exploit. We want to start the game quickly and play at a pace and a tempo that makes it uncomfortable for them and go and get that first goal."

Quotes courtesy of www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk & www.crewealex.net

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

Crewe Alexandra v Ebbsfleet United
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) First Round
Saturday 8^th November 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Alexandra Stadium, Gresty Road, Crewe CR2 6EB