We will show Hucknall respect, says AFC Mansfield boss Funk

Although favourites to progress, AFC Mansfield boss Rudy Funk said his side will show respect to FA Vase opponents Hucknall Town on Saturday.
AFC Mansfield manager Rudy Funk.AFC Mansfield manager Rudy Funk.
AFC Mansfield manager Rudy Funk.

In 2014/2015 AFC Mansfield went on an impressive Vase run into the last 16 before a 3-0 home defeat by Tadcaster Albion saw them exit the competition in round five.

However, AFC slumped to their third defeat in a row after losing 2-1 at Pickering on Saturday and currently sit 13th in the NCEL Premier Division and ahead of the Hucknall trip, manager Rudy Funk said: “In my opinion this will be a very, very difficult game.

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“You always have to respect teams that have made the last 64 in the Vase. There’s a reason why they are there.

Click HERE to read Hucknall boss Andy Graves’ views on the game

“They have had some terrific results on the way and we’ll be very careful how we approach the game.

“We have to be very professional about everything and, hopefully, Lady Luck will be on our side and we’ll make the next round.

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“Our record speaks for itself in such a short history how well the club has done in the Vase, but that doesn’t give us any right or credit.

“You have to earn your right and be as good as your opponents on the day, match them, and hopefully the quality we have within our side will shine through.

“It will be a tough game, but we are all looking forward to it as it’s a bit of a local derby between two Notts sides fighting for the same reason and I think it will be great for the spectators.”

AFC chairman Andy Saunders added: “It is a game we should be looking to get a result out of with them being Step Seven and us Step Five, but as usual it could be the proverbial banana skin.

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“Having said that, in the FA Cup we beat a side two steps higher. So we’ll go into this game giving Hucknall the credit they deserve to get through to the last 64 and we’ll be looking to emulate what we did two years ago.

“There should be a good crowd there and it won’t be easy. So we will not be taking them lightly, though we’ll be aiming to get a result on the day.”