Darren Gilbert admits Bodmin Town could not have been handed a tougher draw in the Emirates FA Cup, as they face a team four levels above them in the shape of Bath City.
The challenge is a formidable one but with Bodmin unbeaten at the top of the South West Peninsula League, he insists his side remain confident they can progress to the third qualifying round.
But Bath City travel to Priory Park after a strong start to the season themselves, sitting fourth in the National League South and Gilbert, who has been at Bodmin for nine years as a player and manager has belief in his side.
Bodmin Town v Bath City
The Emirates FA Cup
Second Round Qualifying
3pm, Saturday 26 September 2015
Priory Park, Bodmin
Winners receive £4500 from prize fund
"It is a very exciting challenge," he said. "It is the toughest draw we could have received, and we would have preferred an easier draw of course, but we have to get on with it and at least we are at home.
"We have to go into the game with confidence. If you go into games like this edgy then you will become unstuck.
"We have had a great start to the season so we are going into this match full of confidence. I’m not saying we will definitely come away with the result we want but we will give them a game and give it our best shot.
"If we pulled it off then it would be massive for everyone associated with the club. When you go into games with teams that are four levels above you, you must remember that this is football and the sport throws up some funny results – just look at the League Cup where Liverpool nearly went out to Carlisle United."
Bath boss Lee Howells also highlighted Liverpool’s tie on Wednesday, although he used the example to prove how the Reds ultimately got the job done even if they did require penalties.
The Second Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup takes place this weekend
City have had a remarkable start to their National League South campaign, winning six on the bounce, and although they have not been victorious in their last five, Howells stated his team are still playing well and have just lacked the rub of the green of late.
The former Cheltenham Town star said: "Our hopes for the FA Cup are that we can win a few games because it is all money for the club.
"We also hope we can get to the third round proper and get a plum draw but that is just that; a hope.
"Realistically we want to get to the first round because you don’t know who you will come out against.
"We are expected to win the game against Bodmin and make it to the next round, but football doesn’t always work like that.
"We must guard against complacency because whilst they are a few levels below, this is football and anything can happen on the day."
