Burscough's Allan Smart: Bring on Buxton

Sep 25 2008 by Philip Kirkbride, Ormskirk Advertiser

Bring on Buxton

BURSCOUGH assistant Allan Smart says he is relishing the challenge of helping the Linnets out of their latest slump.

Smart and manager Joey Dunn take their troops to Derbyshire on Saturday to face Buxton in the FA Cup second qualifying round.

With a string of disappointing results behind them, Smart believes that the “one off” nature of the greatest cup competition in the world could act as a springboard for Burscough’s season.

He said: “After the past few results I suppose it is not really exciting going into the FA Cup this weekend. But with the poor results it is about keeping going and getting the lads excited - that is the challenge and one we look forward to.

“The dressing room was lively on Tuesday night at training and we are not focussing on the poor results and will look at Saturday as a one off. There is no pressure on them so it is almost like a free weekend.

“Yes, we are hoping that a win on Saturday will kick start a run of form but we have just got to keep plugging away and keep believing.

“One of the hardest things for young players to do is to keep everything in perspective.”

Smart, a former Premier League striker with a distinguished league career behind him, is now limiting the amount of time he has on the pitch.

Instead, the former Watford hitman is concentrating his efforts and experience on moulding Burscough’s young stars as they are learning about non-league football the hard way.

Smart added: “I want to give young players a chance and I’ve seen players before who have hung about too long - it’s better coming at it from my angle.

“But I have enjoyed every game this season and after a good week training I am finally over an infection so will be available for Saturday.

“Anybody who has come and watched us play will see a lot of commitment and a good work rate. But we are completely different to last year, where we had hundreds of games of experience at this level, but now we are lucky to have 100 between us.

“The lads will continue to show enthusiasm and endeavour and all we can ask is that they give their very best.”

Striker Chris Amadi will miss the trip to Buxton due to a family bereavement and Alan Moogan is struggling with a knee injury.