Runcorn Linnets manager Dave Wild insists he is more than aware of the threats that their FA Cup First Round Qualifying opponents, Marske United, have.
During the busy Bank Holiday weekend, Linnets picked up three points from two games as they were beaten by Prescot Cables before Ally Brown’s effort was enough to give them the win over Witton Albion.
The win leaves them just outside the playoff positions in the early stages of the Northern Premier League West campaign.
Reflecting on their defeat to Cables, Wild revealed his frustrations following a lacklustre second-half allowed Kevin Lynch’s side to secure the points. But he hopes the dressing down after the match will be the catalyst to an upturn in performances.
He told Off The Park: “I was bitterly disappointed with our performance at Prescot and the players were told so. I think that, touch wood, might be the game this season that spearheads us not to become complacent in games.
“I thought that we performed okay in the first-half to then completely and utterly capitulate in the second half, it’ll happen once or twice them types of performances this season but the frank and openly honest discussions that we had as a group staff and players was quite refreshing.
“I think it’s given us the impetus and kick up the a*** for us to get our acts together and kick on. I think that played a huge role in the win over Witton, I didn’t have to give a team talk, they knew what was expected and we went and got the job done, to be successful that’s what you’ve got to be able to.”
In the opening five games of the season, Linnets have seven points with two wins in that period. They have scored four goals, conceding three.
Despite the lack of goals, Wild isn’t phased by the manner in which they win as they long as they do. However, he did concede that they do need to improve in attacking areas.
“I’m all for 1-0 wins, I’m quite a big advocate for 1-0 wins anyway because ultimately, if you win all your games 1-0 it doesn’t matter somebody wins 90 per cent of their games 12-0, you’ve still won more games,” he said.
“It’s obvious that we need to improve our goalscoring and our creativity in attacking play which is ultimately down to me.
“Whether that be recruit, a change in style, change in impetus but ultimately, we’ve got some irons in fires in terms of plans going forward and what we’re considering doing so I’m not stressed about it yet, it’s very early days.
“If you look at it, it’s quite a healthy points tally, it’s not as if we’re at the bottom or starting to become real pressure but we know we need to score more goals so I’m always on the look out.
“Myself, the staff and the players are always looking at what we can to improve our creativity and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”
Runcorn Linnets enjoyed a mini-FA Cup run last season under Calum McIntyre before it ground to an agonising half against, eventual National League North champions, Gateshead.
Already this season, they have overcame Trafford in the competition. This time around, they travel to the North East where they face Northern Premier League side Marske United.
Despite the difference in divisions, Wild insists he isn’t phased of the competition and that they are well aware of their dangers.
He continued: “At the end of the day, it’s a long trip, it’s one of, if not the hardest ties that we could’ve got. I think they’ve lost twice at home in three years, they’ve started the season very brightly in the division above ours, they’re off the back of a successful league last year.
“So we’re not going to rock up and expect to win, we’ll be turning up wanting to win. The FA Cup’s 50/50 on the day, it’s about getting prepped and motivated, since the draw we’ve seen them play once or twice, know bits and bats about them but ultimately, we’ll be going with our own gameplan to try and get into the next round of the cup.
“I don’t have fear against anyone, we could draw Man City in the next round and we’re going to try and win.
“At the end of the day, it’s 11 v 11, manager vs manager, it’s about preparation and what you do with your resources and your style of play. We don’t fear anyone, I’ve never operated like that and never will, we want to win every game.”
