The Imps travel to National League South Chesham United on Monday 4 November in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup (7.15pm KO)
Read what Michael Skubala and midfielder JJ McKiernan had to say as well as catching up on important match information.
Skubala’s thoughts:
“We know it’s going to be a very tough game. They’re a good team, they’ve got big hearts and they’ll run and fight all day, so it’s going to be a combative game. We’re going to have to show our quality on the day, as well as our intensity and drive - we have to be on it. We’re not the underdogs, we’re the favourites and that brings a different pressure, so we have to train and focus well, and take the game to them as much as possible.
“Substitutes have to impact the game when they come on, and everyone that has come on has done that and impacted it. When they do get that start they then have to start well and keep the shirt. It’s a great challenge for me at the moment because I trust everyone in the squad that plays, and we’re just tinkering to try and get things right. First and foremost it starts on the training pitch and then it’s transferring that to game day.
“We want to go on a good run, and winning can become a habit. We have to keep driving and trying to win every game. It’s not just about the 11, it’s about the squad, and as a team we want to win every game. Whatever team we put on the pitch the habit is winning, and as we start to win and play better football we start to move in the right direction.”
McKiernan’s take:
“We have to train well leading up to the game and not take anything for granted, because it’s human nature to sometimes take things for granted, but it’ll be well drilled into us and we’re all professional so we know how to approach the game.
“When I was a scholar, the guy who took our education is Chesham’s manager. I got a text off of him saying see you in two weeks and initially I thought it was a bit random but then I realised he’s the manager of Chesham, and it’ll be good to see him.
“100%, you have to take every game as it comes and you’ve got to approach it with the right mindset. It’s having the professional mindset to go again and approach the game properly. It’s nice to have time to prepare, it gives us a physical blast for the lads who haven’t been playing. It stands us in good stead.”
A look at the opposition
Chesham United currently operate in the Vanarama National League South following promotion from step seven last year.
The General’s have started their season well, sitting comfortably in mid-table and secured progression to the first round of the Emirates FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Yeovil Town.
They’re unbeaten in their last five in all competitions and will be hoping to complete an upset to make it to the second round.
Form: WWDWW
Top scorer: Nathan Minhas (5 goals)
Match information:
The Imps will play in their white away strip at The Meadow, which can be purchased HERE.
Alex Chilowicz is lined up to referee the match with Kevin Howick and Jonathon Block aiding him as his assistants. Sunny Singh Gill is the fourth official.