Stags still the FA Cup underdogs says boss Cox ahead of TV replay with Oldham

Stags drew a tight 1-1 encounter at Boundary Park in the first match, but Cox admits the onus will be on his side to take the game to the Latics tomorrow.

“The impetus will be on us to come out,” he said. “In the first game we were probably a bit cagey. We went there and were very structured and hard to beat. Saying that, we had come good chances in the first half.

“Everyone will be on the front foot. We want to try to make it a really good cup tie and I hope our supporters come down and roar us on.

“We are definitely still the underdogs. When you play a team from a division above it is always the case.

“When they drew us, most people would have put Oldham down to win it and most betting people will still have Oldham down to win the replay.

“There is no pressure on us whatsover apart from internal pressure here to win a football match.

“It is a big game and we know the rewards for whoever wins it. I want my players to go out there and enjoy it.

“There will probably be some minor tweaks to the side. But we have had two good performances of late so there is no need for wholesale changes.”

The cup may be the glamour part of the week, but Cox was keen to stress how important the bread and buttter League games are too.

He said: “Your next game is always your biggest game. Without sounding boring, we also have Accrington on Saturday and these are two big games.

“This is a big week for us and it we can pick up four points from two League games, it would cap it off to get a good result against Oldham.

“It is more to do with the week and the build-up to Christmas, more than just about a game.

“It would be an amazing feeling to be walking out at Anfield in front of a big crowd in such a prestigious competition. It’s what we are all in the game for.

“But I am keeping myself level as always and not getting carried away.

“We have just come through a sticky patch and I kept myself level through that.”