Weston-super-Mare v Doncaster Rovers: Homework is the key to avoiding an upset

Dickov is aware of the pitfalls of treating the West Country minnows lightly and says his staff have done plenty of homework on the side, mindful of the motto that ‘failing to prepare is preparing to fail’.

Ahead of the banana-skin tie at the Woodspring Stadium, Dickov said: “Injuries aside, we will be fielding our strongest possible side and show the FA Cup and Weston respect.

“Sometimes, we have got to show ourselves respect by realising it is a competition that we want to go as far as we can in.

“I know through my experiences as a player and manager how important the FA Cup is for lots of reasons.

“We had them watched last week down at Concord Rangers and had various clips and DVDs sent of other games.

“Leading up to the draw, we maybe did not know that much about them.

“But we have made sure since the draw has been made that we have done our homework thoroughly on them.

“It will be a tough game for us. People will be looking at their position where they are, but the 
FA Cup has a horrible habit of producing shocks and the underdog always has a chance in these games. We will be treating them very seriously.”

Dickov says that Cedric Evina is out for around five weeks after slightly tweaking medial knee ligaments, with Enda Stevens set to step into the breach.

Andy Butler has been given permission to play by parent club Sheffield United, with Sam Johnstone also free to play.

Last six games: Weston-super-Mare LLWLWL, Doncaster WWLLDW.

Referee: T Robinson (West Sussex).

Last time: Never met.