Michael Appleton looks ahead to Saturday's game at Grimsby
Head Coach Michael Appleton goes back to a ground with happy memories for him this weekend as he takes his Oxford United side to Grimsby Town in the FA Cup.
Michael spent two months on loan at Blundell Park as a young pro at Manchester United, scoring three times in his ten games for the Mariners. He now returns with his United side looking to make it through to Monday night’s draw
“I played there as a kid” Michael told Yellow Player. “It’s a ground that’s been quite good to me. I went there on loan about 18 years ago, scored a few goals for them and then I remember going back and scoring there for Preston as well. We won that day and hopefully it will be the same on Saturday.”
Grimsby won 1-0 at Braintree on Tuesday to move into second place in the Vanarama Conference and Michael is more than aware of the dangers that Saturday’s game could present for his team:
“I think a few people will have looked at the draw and seen a potential upset but for me it probably makes it a little bit more exciting” he said. “The First Round of the FA Cup, the attention it has had this year with the draw from St George’s Park; it is a big day.
“Grimsby went second in the conference on Tuesday and there are only seven or eight places between the two sides so they will fancy their chances big time.
“They are on a good run and very confident but it’s a great opportunity for us as well to go up there, play well and get a victory under our belt. If we can get a win then that will give us plenty of confidence going into the league game at York the weekend after.”
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