LEISTON skipper David Head says his side are relishing their underdog status tonight after the pressures of Saturday's narrow FA Vase win over lower level opposition.

Stuart Watson

By Stuart Watson

LEISTON skipper David Head says his side are relishing their underdog status tonight after the pressures of Saturday's narrow FA Vase win over lower level opposition.

The Suffolk side set off for Lancashire early this morning ahead of tonight's massive FA Cup first round replay at Blue Square North side Fleetwood Town.

And with two divisions separating the two sides - Leiston easily the lowest ranked team left in the competition - the odds are firmly stacked against Carl Chenery's side following their 0-0 draw at Victory Road just over a week ago.

But following their nervous 1-0 win over Ridgeons League Division One side Debenham LC in the FA Vase on Saturday, captain Head says being away from the pressure of an expectant home crowd tonight will suit his side just fine.

He said: “There might be a slight bit more expectancy following the Lewes game, but we still go up there as clear underdogs and I think that suits us.

“Their fans will expect them to win so the longer we can keep it nil-nil the more chance we have got of their supporters getting on their backs.

“Against Debenham on Saturday that worked for them. The longer they kept us out, the more frustrated and anxious our fans got, but against Fleetwood that will work in our favour.

“We have got everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

Head added: “There was a feeling before the Lewes replay (fourth qualifying round) that they were spending the prize money before they had even beaten us. I am sure some people at Fleetwood are doing the same and that sort of thing does spur you on.

“We can take a lot of heart from the first match because we know now that we can compete against them.

“They have got good players throughout their team, but so have we and if we can stick to our guns and do our jobs I am pretty confident we can nick a goal or two.”

Head added: “It should be a great atmosphere. There is obviously going to be a good turnout of Leiston and I think they are just going up to enjoy themselves. Whatever happens I am sure there will be a party.”

- Striker Tesfaye Bramble and midfielder Stuart Boardley have been rated as 50/50 ahead of tonight's match. Bramble hasn't played since picking up his ankle injury against Lewes in the first leg of the fourth qualifying round, while Boardley managed the second half of Saturday's game against Debenham as he returns from a foot injury. Both will face late fitness tests.