David Dunn is looking forward to facing familiar opposition in more ways than one this weekend, as his Oldham side travel to Mansfield Town in the FA Cup first round.
Adam Murray, who Dunn knows from his playing days, is in charge of the Stags, and Oldham have FA Cup previous with the Nottinghamshire side as recently as two seasons ago.
With Latics a league above Mansfield and unbeaten against them in seven meetings since 1978, Dunn is keen to ensure that his side produce a performance that will allow them to be on the right side of an upset in rounds to come.
“It is all about being in the next round, it is pretty much as simple as that. That is what we intend to do,” he said.
“They will be a very organised team full of energy, so we will have to be right at it.
“There are a lot of upsets in the FA Cup – it’s very famous for that. It is important that we are not one of those teams who suffer.”
Athletic fans are no strangers to the magic of the cup having faced Premier League opposition for three consecutive seasons prior to last year, and famously won the hearts of the nation by beating seven-times winners Liverpool in 2013.
While maintaining that being in the hat at the end of the weekend is the most important thing, Dunn acknowledges that the cup provides something extra for fans, players and managers alike.
“There is something special about the FA Cup that fans seem to like,” he said.
“I am always excited about every game, but this is different and it gives the lads a bit of a break from the league.
“It is an opportunity for other players to come in and play and show us what they can do, but it is important that we take this competition very seriously.”
The 35-year-old will be without loanees Jonathan Burn and Danny Lafferty, who both require surgery on their respective injuries, while Jake Cassidy remains a few weeks from fitness and Mike Jones could return after weeks on the sidelines.
Cameron Dummigan will be eligible to play after being cleared by parent club Burnley, but Latics are yet to hear whether Swansea will allow Jay Fulton to take part.
Image courtesy of Oldham Athletic via YouTube, with thanks.
