Fleetwood Town manager Micky Mellon marks his first twelve months in charge on Saturday when Farsley Celtic visit Highbury in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round.
Mellon’s first game in charge was in the same round of the competition last term and he brought his team home from UniBond League Division One North Wakefield having earned a place in the next round.
Town are no strangers to Farsley Celtic having already collected three points at the Throstle’s Nest earlier this month in the Blue Square North.
Goals from debutant Gareth Seddon and an assist for Mike Wilde from the other new boy Claus Jorgensen ensured the victory.
The former Blackpool, Tranmere Rovers and Burnley skipper says not facing lower league opposition has its benefits.
“Everybody always looks forward to the FA Cup and tomorrow is not exception. We’ll be up for it and ready for a tough game. The positive is what we know about the opposition already. It’s the FA Cup and you’re not playing for points but the finish. As the game goes on everything can be thrown at you because it’s all about being ahead at the final whistle. We’ll need to put the game to bed as soon as possible.”
Although Town had the upper hand in West Yorkshire two weeks ago, the manager remains convinced Farsley bring a real threat to Highbury.
“It wasn’t too long ago when we played them and we know they are a dangerous opposition. We will need to best and use home advantage to press for the result.”
Mellon is expecting to choose a full strength line-up from his available players.
“There’s a few knocks apart from the long term injury list and work absence. Gareth Seddon is over his ‘flu but Adam Warlow is now off-colour. Some of the lads have rested from training because of the bumps and bruises. We’ve enough to be concerned about but we also have a deep enough squad to field a strong team.
“I don’t have a team, I have a squad of players to use as the opposition warrants As far as one player nailing anyone position, that isn’t going to happen. It’s a 20-odd man squad and I don’t actually have an XI in mind regularly each week. The opposition is different week in, week out and the best line-up to face the other side will be selected.”
