Home advantage would usually be cited as a benefit for the hosts in the build-up to a key cup fixture, but AFC Rushden boss Mark Starmer believes the playing surface could prove to be a leveller when his side welcome St Andrews to the Dog and Duck Stadium.
AFC Rushden &
Diamonds v St Andrews
FA Vase Fourth Round Proper
Winners receive £2,000
Ahead of the Fourth Round Proper clash, Starmer told TheFA.com: "The pitch will be a leveller, as it's quite boggy down there. We've got people down there working on it so hopefully it won't be too bad. We will have to be clinical in our chances.
"We had a similar situation on a bad pitch in the league where we created plenty of chances, but just couldn't be clinical, and that kept the opposition in the game.
"We'll try and play how we play. We like to get it out wide and to the front men and I think it will come down to whether or not we take our chances. There's no point changing anything as it can become too complicated and the lads can get lost.
"We just need to play to our strengths and the team will know what to do."
Although United Counties League Premier Division side AFC Rushden will head into the match on the back of a rich vein form, Starmer is keen to shed the tag of favourites and treat St Andrews, who compete in the tier below, with the utmost respect.
He added: "It's a cup game, and on the day anything can happen - we beat Cambridge City in the FA Cup and they're two levels above. It can happen to St Andrews too, on the day they can beat us and they're here on merit, so we've watched them and given them the respect they deserve.
"I'm not going to say there's pressure on us, it's more anticipation. I know upsets happen, so I wouldn't say we're supposed to win, just that we're expected to win."
